NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2025 – Music’s biggest stars lit up the stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held at the UBS Arena in New York. Hosted by LL Cool J, the show celebrated the year’s top artists and groundbreaking performances, with Lady Gaga leading the night in nominations.
Who Led the Nominations?
Lady Gaga topped the list with 12 nominations, followed by Kendrick Lamar with 10, ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter with eight each, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven apiece, Billie Eilish with six, and Charli XCX with five nods.
Top Winners of the Night
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga – WINNER
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren – WINNER
- Song of the Year: Morgan Wallen – “Smile” – WINNER
- Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter – WINNER
- Best Latin: Shakira – “Soltera” – WINNER
- Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – “Anxiety” – WINNER
- Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey – WINNER
- Best Rock: Coldplay – “All My Love” – WINNER
- Best K-Pop: LISA ft. Doja Cat and RAYE – “Born Again” – WINNER
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla – “Push 2 Start” – WINNER
Standout Performances
The VMAs featured unforgettable performances from Ariana Grande, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga with Bruno Mars, among others. Highlights included:
- Ariana Grande performing “Brighter Days Ahead”
- ROSÉ and Bruno Mars with “APT.”
- Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
- Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
Special Honors and Unique Awards
- Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin – WINNER
- Rock the Bells Visionary Award: Busta Rhymes
- PUSH Performance of the Year: Katseye – “Touch” – WINNER
The show also recognized the best collaborations, with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” taking home the award.
Why the VMAs Matter
The MTV VMAs continue to celebrate innovation and creativity in music videos, shining a spotlight on both mainstream superstars and emerging artists. This year’s ceremony demonstrated the diversity of music genres, from Afrobeats and K-pop to pop, hip-hop, and rock, reflecting a globalized music landscape.
Looking Ahead
With artists like Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande dominating nominations and wins, fans can expect continued innovation and chart-topping hits in the months ahead. The VMAs remain one of music’s most watched and talked-about award shows, offering a stage where talent meets spectacle.
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