The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 7, 2025, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with LL Cool J hosting the ceremony. Ariana Grande won Video of the Year for ‘Brighter Days Ahead,’ while Lady Gaga was named Artist of the Year, highlighting a night of major achievements in music.
The MTV Video Music Awards for 2025 were broadcast live from UBS Arena on September 7, marking the second year at this venue and the first time CBS aired the event. LL Cool J served as the host, bringing his experience from previous VMAs and adding a hip-hop flair to the proceedings. The show featured numerous performances and award presentations, celebrating the best in music videos from the past year, with a star-studded audience and global viewership.
Ariana Grande emerged as a significant winner, taking home the Video of the Year award for ‘Brighter Days Ahead,’ a visually stunning piece that captivated audiences with its artistic direction. She also secured the Best Pop award, reinforcing her dominance in the pop genre. Other key victories included Song of the Year for ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ collaboration ‘APT.,’ and Artist of the Year for Lady Gaga, who led all nominees with an impressive 12 nominations across categories.
Special honors added depth to the evening, with Mariah Carey receiving the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, her first Moonman in a 35-year career, acknowledging her enduring influence. Busta Rhymes was honored with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award for his groundbreaking work in hip-hop, while Ricky Martin received the Latin Icon Award, celebrating his contributions to Latin music and culture. These recognitions provided emotional highlights and paid tribute to music legends.
The nominees list showcased a diverse array of talent, with Bruno Mars closely trailing Lady Gaga with 11 nominations, largely due to his hit ‘Die with a Smile’ with Gaga, which won Best Collaboration. Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, ROSÉ, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd were also among the top contenders, each earning multiple nods in categories like Best Hip-Hop, Best R&B, and Best Album, reflecting the year’s musical trends.
In the album category, Sabrina Carpenter won Best Album for ‘Short n’ Sweet,’ and Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, signaling rising stars in the industry. New categories such as Best Pop Artist and Best Country were introduced, with wins by Ariana Grande and Megan Moroney for ‘Am I Okay?,’ respectively, indicating MTV’s adaptation to evolving music landscapes and audience interests.
Performances and fashion moments were standout elements, with artists like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars delivering electrifying acts that energized the crowd. The red carpet featured bold and innovative outfits from celebrities, adding to the spectacle, while a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne honored his legacy in rock music, creating a memorable segment for viewers.
The 2025 VMAs not only celebrated current achievements but also hinted at future directions for the music industry, with wins emphasizing diversity, innovation, and cross-genre collaborations. The event’s successful broadcast on CBS and streaming via Paramount+ underscores the enduring appeal of award shows in connecting artists with fans worldwide.