Who Are the Winners of MTV VMAs Awards 2025?
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Who Are the Winners of MTV VMAs Awards 2025?: A Night of Firsts, Surprises, and Show-Stopping Performances
The MTV Video Music Awards have always been about bold statements, unforgettable live moments, and celebrating the year’s most talked-about artists. The 2025 edition, held at UBS Arena in New York, was no exception. From jaw-dropping performances to record-breaking wins, the night reminded fans why the VMAs continue to stand as one of the most unpredictable shows in pop culture.
Lady Gaga’s Dominance
There are awards shows where artists win, and then there are nights when someone completely takes over. That was Lady Gaga this year. Walking into the ceremony with 12 nominations, she left with more trophies than anyone else—four in total, including the coveted Artist of the Year. In true Gaga fashion, her acceptance was dramatic. She actually paused her Madison Square Garden concert, ran over to the VMAs to grab her award, and then darted back to her show. That blend of chaos and brilliance summed up exactly why she continues to command the spotlight.
Her video for “Abracadabra” also scooped multiple technical awards—proof that Gaga isn’t just about spectacle but about innovation at every level of her craft. Add her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” which won Best Collaboration, and it was crystal clear: Gaga had the night in her hands.
Ariana Grande’s Emotional Wins
If Gaga brought the drama, Ariana Grande brought the heart. She picked up Video of the Year and Best Pop for her single “Brighter Days Ahead,” a track that already felt like an anthem before the ceremony. Ariana also won Best Long Form Video, showing her ability to mix music with cinematic storytelling.
What made her night extra special wasn’t just the wins—it was her words. In one of the most memorable speeches of the night, Ariana thanked her father, her therapist, her creative team, and the LGBTQ+ community. The crowd erupted when she looked straight into the camera and said, “Gay people, I love you.” It was Ariana at her most genuine—playful yet deeply personal.
Rosé Makes History
One of the most powerful moments came when Rose of BLACKPINK became the first Korean solo artist to win Song of the Year, thanks to her collaboration with Bruno Mars on “APT.” The win wasn’t just about the song—it was about the statement. K-Pop’s influence has been growing for years, but seeing a Korean soloist recognized at this level by the VMAs showed just how global the music industry has become. Rosé’s acceptance speech, where she thanked both her BLACKPINK sisters and her fans worldwide, was one of the night’s defining highlights.
Fresh Faces and Bold Voices
The VMAs aren’t just about the icons—they’re also about the newcomers making waves. Alex Warren was visibly overwhelmed when he won Best New Artist, calling it a dream come true. Meanwhile, Tate McRae owned the stage with her sultry performance of “Just Keep Watching,” later winning Song of the Summer. Her choreography—complete with sand-covered visuals—was talked about long after the show ended.
Then there was Sabrina Carpenter, who snagged Best Album for Short n’ Sweet. Her acceptance came with a bold performance featuring drag queens holding protest signs in support of trans rights.
Iconic Tributes
The 2025 VMAs also had their fair share of nostalgia. Mariah Carey finally earned her long-deserved Video Vanguard Award and gave the audience a show-stopping medley of her greatest hits. The arena erupted into a sing-along that felt more like a full concert than an awards show.
Ricky Martin was honored as a Latin Icon, delivering a high-energy performance that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most charismatic performers of his generation. And Busta Rhymes, receiving the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, moved fans with a heartfelt tribute to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis.
Music Without Borders
The VMAs are increasingly about celebrating music’s diversity, and this year’s winners reflected that perfectly:
- Best R&B: Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous”
- Best Alternative: Sombr—”Back “to Friends”
- Best K-Pop: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – “Born Again”
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
- Best Country: Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
Each win showcased how different genres are shaping today’s global music scene, proving the VMAs aren’t just about mainstream pop anymore.
Unforgettable Performances
Of course, no VMAs would be complete without jaw-dropping live numbers. Doja Cat kicked off the night with a neon-soaked, retro-inspired performance of “Jealous Type.” Sabrina Carpenter’s set turned into a statement piece for LGBTQ+ rights. Mariah and Ricky both gave legendary performances, and Gaga’s pre-recorded MSG segment blurred the lines between live concert and cinematic fantasy.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 MTV VMAs managed to balance spectacle with substance. There were record-breaking wins, tearful speeches, and performances that carried social messages as much as they did entertainment value. Lady Gaga proved her staying power, Ariana Grande reminded fans of her emotional artistry, Rose broke barriers for K-Pop, and Sabrina Carpenter showed how music can double as activism.
In short: it wasn’t just an awards show—it was a cultural snapshot of where music is headed in 2025.
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