The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards always promise big moments. On Sunday, September 7, the industry’s brightest stars gathered at New York’s UBS Arena. While many of us watched the main show at home, eager for every televised peek, a special team from Us Weekly had a golden ticket. They were right there, catching all the juicy, untelevised bits that really made the night sparkle.
From surprising dance moves by famous faces away from the cameras to the performance that earned the loudest cheers, the backstage action kept the Us Weekly team on the edge of their seats. Let’s talk about the big winners. Lady Gaga, who snagged the most awards, kept her chats brief but sweet with a select few. Ariana Grande, on the other hand, was the night’s social butterfly. She took home three Moon Person trophies but still made time for nearly everyone there.
Beyond the main stage, unexpected friendships popped up. Some awkward moments were bound to happen too. And yes, Mariah Carey finally got her long-awaited Moon Person statuette. So, grab your popcorn, because here’s the inside scoop on more 2025 VMA moments, all seen exclusively by Us Weekly.
Gaga’s Grand Entrance Was a Little Behind Schedule
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Even the biggest stars can run into scheduling conflicts. Lady Gaga, who scored the Artist of the Year award, couldn’t make the entire show. She had a *Mayhem Ball* concert booked at Madison Square Garden that same day. Gaga arrived fashionably late, after LL Cool J finished his opening speech. She quickly found her spot in the front row, giving Ariana Grande a warm hug as she settled in.
Ariana Grande: Fan Girl for Lola Young
Ariana Grande wasn’t just collecting her own trophies that night. She won big, taking home awards for Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Longform Video. But she also showed huge support for other artists. *Us Weekly* spotted the “Brighter Days Ahead” singer giving Lola Young a standing ovation after her performance. It was a sweet moment of encouragement.
Catching Up: Stars Mingle Behind the Scenes
Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV
The *Us Weekly* team definitely caught a lot of celebrity mingling throughout the evening. FKA Twigs was seen chatting with KATSEYE. Ariana Grande and stylist Law Roach walked out of their seats together. In a fun twist, rapper Sexyy Red hugged DJ Pauly D from *Jersey Shore*. Ariana herself made sure to catch up with many industry pals. She spoke with Mariah Carey after giving her the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award. Ariana also chatted with Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McCrae, and *Too Much* star Megan Stalter, whom she hugged warmly.
Ricky Martin’s Performance Got Everyone on Their Feet
Ricky Martin Performance Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for MTV
Ricky Martin, the “Livin’ la Vida Loca” sensation, truly set the stage on fire. He actually emerged from a box, which was pretty cool. The crowd went wild, with Tyla, Frankie Grande, Ariana Grande, KATSEYE, FKA Twigs, and many more stars jumping up to dance. And speaking of incredible musical acts, Busta Rhymes also brought massive energy, getting everyone in the room on their feet.
A Little Oops: KATSEYE’s Award Moment Got Awkward
Ice Spice and Latto Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for MTV
Even award presentations can hit a snag. When Ice Spice and Latto were set to announce the Push Performance of the Year winner, things got a bit jumbled. Music started playing before they even read the name, “KATSEYE,” from the envelope. There was a weird silence, then suddenly, KATSEYE popped up on stage. Talk about a surprise entrance!
Mariah Carey: A Bit Stiff on the Move
Mariah Carey Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
The music icon, Mariah Carey, moved quite slowly around the venue. At times, she also looked a bit stiff. It was a quieter presence than some might expect from such a powerhouse.
Frankie Grande Was All In for Alex Warren
Alex Warren’s performance of “Ordinary” clearly had a fan in the crowd. Frankie Grande was seen dancing to the beat, and he was the only one in his section to stand up. He even threw his hands in the air, really enjoying the song. You love to see that kind of energy!
Ed Sheeran’s “Sapphire” Got a Quiet Reception
Not every nomination got a huge roar from the crowd. When Ed Sheeran’s “Sapphire” was announced for Best Pop, the applause was pretty minimal. It definitely seemed less enthusiastic compared to other category announcements that night.
Sabrina Carpenter Drops a F-Bomb for a Good Cause
Sabrina Carpenter Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year and wasn’t shy during her acceptance speech. She talked about her passion for the queer community, throwing in an unexpected curse word. “This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism, discrimination, and negativity,” she shared. “So to be able to be a part of something that can inspire you, make you smile, dance, and feel like the world is your damn oyster. I’m just so grateful to be able to do that.” It was a powerful, honest moment from the star.