The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7, served up a wild night of music, just as everyone expected. Hosted by the smooth LL Cool J, the show was a mix of dazzling highs and head-scratching moments. It felt like a fast-moving train ride through pop culture, with plenty of stops for cheers and a few for collective groans.
From big names finding clever ways to own the stage to legends delivering a few well-placed jabs, the evening was packed with moments that got everyone talking online right away. Let’s dive into some of the most talked-about happenings.
High Notes from the Night
Lady Gaga proved you don’t even need to be in the building to deliver the night’s best performance. She made a quick stop at the UBS Arena to grab her Artist of the Year award. Then, it was right back to Madison Square Garden for the final New York City stop on her Mayhem Ball tour. Luckily, Gaga had the foresight to pre-record a killer medley of "Abracadabra" and "The Dead Dance" from her concert the day before. This allowed her to show off the incredible stage and perfect choreography of her critically loved tour to millions watching at home.
When Ricky Martin hit the stage, he showed everyone why he’s still a king. He gave us a timeless mix of his biggest hits, including "Livin’ la Vida Loca" and "Shake Your Bon-Bon." He was there to pick up the first-ever Latin Icon award from the VMAs. It’s clear he’s just as vibrant today as he was when he first got nominated back in 1999.
Mariah Carey, queen of the subtle shade, wasted no time giving MTV a playful poke. As she accepted the Video Vanguard award, she wondered out loud why it took them 35 years to give her a Moonperson trophy. She looked at the crowd and asked, "I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I only have one question: What the hell were you waiting for?" Good one, Mimi!
Mariah Carey Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for MTV
Doja Cat hinted on the red carpet that her next album, Vie, would have a strong 80s vibe. She wasn’t kidding. For the first performance of the night, she brought out none other than Kenny G. He famously made smooth jazz cool again four decades ago. The legendary saxophonist played alongside Doja as she took us back in time with her newest track, "Jealous Type."
Sabrina Carpenter delivered a powerful message with her acceptance speech. After performing her new song, "Tears," with a crew of drag queens, she returned to the stage to receive the Album of the Year award for her 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet. The former Disney Channel star used her moment to speak up for transgender people. She said, "This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism, discrimination, and negativity, that to be able to be part of something that helps you shine, puts a smile on your face, makes you dance, and makes you feel like the world is your damn oyster, I am so grateful to be able to do that." It was a truly heartfelt moment.
The tribute to Ozzy Osbourne was absolutely electrifying. Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt teamed up for a set that would have made the late Black Sabbath frontman — and former MTV reality star — incredibly proud. They tore through "Crazy Train," "Changes," and "Mama, I’m Coming Home." The only problem? It just didn’t last long enough. We could have watched them for five more minutes and still wanted more.
Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for MTV
A Few Stumbles Along the Way
Ariana Grande faced a classic awards show problem: a microphone that wasn’t quite right for her. After LL Cool J, who stands at a tall 6 feet 2 inches, announced that the 5-foot-2 Wicked star won Video of the Year for her short film Brighter Days Ahead, she had to go on tiptoes to reach the mic. "Does this get taller every time?" Grande asked, sounding a bit tired of the height difference.
While we knew beforehand that Taylor Swift wouldn’t be there, her absence still left a gap. The global superstar holds the record for the most VMAs in history with 30 awards. She’s one of those artists, like Madonna and Britney Spears, who just are the VMAs. It simply wasn’t the same without her.
Alex Warren definitely had a big year thanks to his hit song "Ordinary." That success helped him snag the Best New Artist award. But some felt MTV should have followed Adele’s lead from the 2017 Grammys. She famously broke her trophy in half for Beyoncé. This year, many thought Sombr, a rising rock star, deserved to share that Best New Artist recognition.
All in all, the 2025 VMAs delivered the usual dose of unpredictable entertainment. From major victories to minor mishaps, it certainly gave us plenty to discuss until next year.