The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are an annual award show, celebrating the new additions to the music industry from both new and rising artists and artists that have been in the industry for decades. In recent years, the VMAs have been an enjoyable watch; however, this year had some of the most notable moments in VMA history.
The award show took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. and opened with Lady Gaga leading the show, with 12 nominations and ended up taking home four of the VMA’s awards, named “Moon-Person trophies”, including a win of the Artist of the Year category. She left UBS Arena early to perform a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Ariana Grande took home the Video of the Year award for her cinematic short film, “Brighter Days Ahead.” Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for her album “Short n’ Sweet” as well as Best Pop Artist, honoring another extremely successful year for Carpenter. Additionally, Rosé of the well-known K-pop band, BLACKPINK, made history, as she became the first K-pop act to win Song of the Year with her Bruno Mars collaboration “APT.”
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey earned her long-awaited first Moon-Person trophy for Best Rhythm and Blues (R&B) song with “Type Dangerous.” Carey was honored with the Video Vanguard award after nine prior nominations in years past. Ricky Martin received the Latin Icon Award, while Busta Rhymes was presented with the new Rock the Bells Visionary Award, an award celebrating artists with lasting cultural impact through their creativity in hip-hop and music overall. Doja Cat debuted her 80s-inspired single, “Jealous Type,” and Sabrina Carpenter used her performance of her new, jaw-dropping single, “Tears,” to make a political statement. Carpenter was joined by drag performers carrying signs advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. To honor the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, rock musicians Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt united to perform Osbourne’s hits, “Crazy Train” and “Changes.”
Among the night’s musically-varying performances was Tate McRae, who had her boldest performance yet. McRae made her VMAs main-stage debut with a theatrical Medusa-inspired set. Dressed in a white studded two-piece, she performed radio hits “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car” in a black sand pit surrounded by dancers, blending her incredible dancing and flexibility with new-found vocal strength. In addition to an outstanding performance, McRae left with two Moon-Person trophies, for Song of the Summer and Best Editing. Both awards were for her song “Just Keep Watching,” which was featured in the recent film, “F1”.
The 2025 VMA awards emphasized both legacy and innovation, honoring artists who shaped music’s past, while also recognizing the stars that will continue to grow as years go on. With Lady Gaga’s commanding wins, Ariana Grande’s sentimental short film, Sabrina Carpenter’s rising pop dominance, Rosé’s historic recognition for K-pop and Tate McRae’s bold breakout performance, the 2025 VMAs marked a night of unity for musicians worldwide.
