Lady Gaga Dominates 2025 VMAs with Four Wins; Ariana Grande Shines
UPDATE: The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 12 at UBS Arena in New York, witnessed a spectacular night as Lady Gaga emerged as the night’s biggest winner, claiming four “Moon Person” trophies, including the coveted Artist of the Year award. In a thrilling evening filled with powerful performances and emotional moments, Ariana Grande also made headlines, securing three awards, including Video of the Year for her inspiring anthem “brighter days ahead.”
In a moving acceptance speech, Grande emphasized the significance of her project, stating, “This project is about all the hard work that is healing all different kinds of trauma,” highlighting the importance of self-care and resilience. “If you’re on that journey, please continue onward, because I promise there are brighter days ahead.” This resonated deeply with fans, making her win a standout moment of the night.
The VMAs, which aired live on CBS for the first time while still being showcased on MTV, marked a pivotal moment for the network. Hosted by LL Cool J, this year’s show highlighted the dominance of female artists, with women winning in 24 out of 30 categories. This reflects the shifting landscape of pop music, where artists like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, and Sabrina Carpenter are leading the charge.
Carpenter’s performance of her provocative single “Tears” was a highlight, embracing a gritty ‘90s New York aesthetic. She boldly stood up for the transgender community during her set, featuring dancers with signs that read “Protect Trans Rights” and “In Trans We Trust.” During her acceptance speech for Best Album, Carpenter expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inspire positivity in a world filled with negativity.
The night kicked off with Doja Cat, who delivered a throwback performance infused with an ’80s aesthetic, featuring a surprise appearance by Kenny G. The VMAs adapted to modern realities, showcasing remote performances from artists like Post Malone in Germany, emphasizing the evolving nature of award shows.
In a historic moment, Mariah Carey finally received her first Moon Man after an electrifying medley, humorously questioning, “What in the Sam Hill took you so long?” Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon award, bringing the crowd to life with his performance of “Livin La Vida Loca.”
The show also paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, with Yungblud honoring him alongside Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, shouting, “Ozzy forever!” This heartfelt tribute underscored the emotional weight of the night.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the VMAs remain a vital platform for artists to connect with fans and celebrate their achievements. With the awards showcasing a mix of legacy icons and emerging talent, it was a night filled with excitement and inspiration.
Stay tuned for more updates as the impact of the 2025 VMAs continues to unfold in the coming days. Check out the full list of winners and highlights from this year’s memorable event!
