
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up New York City with powerful performances and emotional speeches. The night’s biggest winner was Ariana Grande, who took home the Video of the Year award for her hit Brighter Days Ahead.
The song also earned her Best Pop Song, making the evening extra special for the 32-year-old singer.

Visibly emotional, Ariana Grande thanked her fans for their endless love and support. She described them as “fiercely loving and supportive,” and added:
“Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being.”
In a touching moment, she even thanked her therapist and the LGBTQ+ community while receiving her first prize earlier in the evening. Her gratitude-filled speech was one of the highlights of the show, proving why fans adore her.
Another big winner was Lady Gaga, who received the Artist of the Year award, beating top names like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd.
She interrupted her concert series to appear at the VMAs stage and also bagged Best Collaboration for her duet with Bruno Mars, Die with a Smile.
Former Blackpink member Rosé continues to shine as a solo artist. Her song APT, co-written with Bruno Mars, earned the title of Song of the Year. The win marked another milestone in her growing career.
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter claimed the Best Album of the Year award for Short n’ Sweet. With her rising popularity and creative performances, she is fast becoming one of the most influential artists in today’s pop music scene.
The VMAs also celebrated music legends, with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin performing nostalgic sets. Their presence added a golden touch to the night, reminding fans of music’s timeless impact.
Meanwhile, younger artists like Doja Cat and Tate McRae brought retro-inspired choreography from the ’80s and ’90s, mixing old-school vibes with modern creativity.
One of the biggest surprises of the evening was Kendrick Lamar leaving empty-handed despite multiple nominations. The rapper had dominated the recent Grammy Awards with five wins, but this time the VMAs did not recognize his efforts.
Unlike last year’s ceremony, which carried a strong political tone with Taylor Swift encouraging fans to vote, this year’s show stayed away from political messaging and focused solely on celebrating music.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards celebrated the power of music and artistry. From Ariana Grande’s emotional speech to Lady Gaga’s electrifying wins, and Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter’s groundbreaking achievements, the event highlighted the diversity and creativity of today’s music world.
It was a night that honored both legends and rising stars, showing once again that the VMAs remain one of the most exciting nights in entertainment.