The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up UBS Arena in New York with a mix of high-energy performances, emotional speeches, and a handful of historic wins. The night belonged to Lady Gaga, who stormed away with four Moon Person trophies, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her duet “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. In one of the evening’s biggest moments, Gaga debuted her brand-new single “The Dead Dance” live for the very first time, delivering the kind of theatrical performance only she could pull off.
Ariana Grande scored a double triumph with Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for her hit “Brighter Days Ahead.” Rising star Sabrina Carpenter celebrated a career milestone, taking home Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, Best Pop Artist, and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Meanwhile, Rosé of BLACKPINK made history as the first K-Pop soloist to win Song of the Year for “APT,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars.
The evening also honored icons. Mariah Carey received her first-ever VMA, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, with a dazzling medley that brought the house down. Busta Rhymes accepted the Visionary Award with humor and fire, while Ricky Martin was named Latin Icon.
Performances were a nonstop highlight reel—Doja Cat leaned into her theatrical side, Post Malone brought the fireworks, and Jelly Roll had the crowd belting along. Newcomer Alex Warren walked away with Best New Artist, showing the VMAs are still a launchpad for fresh talent.
The VMAs once again proved they’re more than just an awards show—they’re a pop culture spectacle where legends, newcomers, and wild surprises collide.
Full Winners List
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Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
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Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
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Song of the Year: Rosé & Bruno Mars – APT
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Best New Artist: Alex Warren
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Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
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Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
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Best Pop Video: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
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Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
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Best Visual Effects: Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
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Song of the Summer: Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching
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Best Group: BLACKPINK
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Best Hip-Hop Video: Doechii – Anxiety
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Best R&B Video: Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous
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Best Alternative Video: Sombr – Back to Friends
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Best Rock Video: Coldplay – All My Love
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Best Latin Video: Shakira – Soltera
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Best K-Pop Video: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – Born Again
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Best Afrobeats Video: Tyla – Push 2 Start
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Best Country Video: Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
