MTV VMAs 2025: Full Winners List, Highlights, and Key Moments

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2025 proved once again why it remains one of the most anticipated nights in the global music calendar. Held on September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the event brought together some of the biggest names in pop, hip-hop, rock, K-pop, and Latin music. With LL Cool J hosting the evening, fans witnessed not only stellar performances but also groundbreaking wins and historic firsts.

This year, the awards ceremony aired live coast-to-coast on MTV, CBS, and Paramount+ Premium, giving millions of fans worldwide the chance to tune in. The 2025 VMAs introduced two new categories — Best Pop Artist and Best Country Video — signaling the evolving nature of global music.

Major Highlights of MTV VMAs 2025

• Lady Gaga emerged as the night’s biggest winner with four awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year. Despite battling a strained voice that led to a canceled Miami concert days earlier, Gaga stunned fans by performing “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance” live from Madison Square Garden.

• Ariana Grande stole the spotlight by winning Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead”. She also took home Best Pop and Best Longform Video, securing three trophies in total.

• Sabrina Carpenter continued her meteoric rise, bagging three wins, including Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet.

• Rosé and Bruno Mars scored big with their hit “APT.”, which earned Song of the Year. Mars also won Best Collaboration alongside Lady Gaga for “Die With a Smile.”

• Special recognition awards went to legends: Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award.

MTV VMAs 2025 – Full Winners & Nominees

Video of the Year

• Winner: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

• Nominees: Beyoncé – Renaissance Continues, Doja Cat – Velvet Fire, Olivia Rodrigo – Teenage Heartbreak, Rosé – Lost Without You

Artist of the Year

• Winner: Lady Gaga

• Nominees: Taylor Swift, Drake, Rosé, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd

Song of the Year

• Winner: Rosé & Bruno Mars – APT.

• Nominees: Billie Eilish – Echoes, Olivia Rodrigo – Crush, Post Malone – Neon Nights, Doja Cat – Anxiety

Album of the Year

• Winner: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet

• Nominees: Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department (Extended), Drake – Utopia 2, Rosé – Blooming, Beyoncé – Mirror World

Best New Artist

• Winner: Alex Warren

• Nominees: KATSEYE, Reneé Rapp, Benson Boone, Peso Pluma

Genre Highlights

• Best Pop: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

  • Nominees: Taylor Swift – Enchanted Again, Dua Lipa – Hologram Love, Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso Reloaded

• Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – Anxiety

  • Nominees: Nicki Minaj – Queen’s Gambit, Travis Scott – Skyfall, Kendrick Lamar – Truth Hurts

• Best R&B: Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous

  • Nominees: SZA – Blind Faith, Usher – Still Got It, Summer Walker – Healing Vibes

• Best Rock: Coldplay – All My Love

  • Nominees: Foo Fighters – Broken Skyline, Måneskin – Wild Heart, Green Day – Rebel Sons

• Best Latin: Shakira – Soltera

  • Nominees: Karol G – Bebecita, Bad Bunny – Noches Largas, J Balvin – Caliente

• Best K-pop: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – Born Again

  • Nominees: BTS – Eclipse, NewJeans – Bubble Pop, BLACKPINK – Stay Wild

• Best Country: Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?

  • Nominees: Morgan Wallen – Whiskey Moon, Luke Combs – Homegrown Fire, Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour II

Special Awards & Performances

The special tributes were among the most emotional highlights of the night. Mariah Carey, honored with the Video Vanguard Award, performed a medley of her biggest hits, reminding the audience why she remains one of pop’s greatest vocalists. Busta Rhymes, with his high-energy performance, proved why he deserved the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Meanwhile, Ricky Martin’s electrifying medley celebrated his career and influence on Latin music as he accepted the Latin Icon Award.

The night also featured standout performances from Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Rosé, Bruno Mars, and BLACKPINK, who wowed the crowd after winning Best Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

📌 Where were the MTV VMAs 2025 held?
At the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

📌 Who won the most awards?
Lady Gaga, with four trophies.

📌 Who won Video of the Year?
Ariana Grande for “Brighter Days Ahead.”

📌 Which artists received honorary awards?
Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin.

📌 Did the VMAs 2025 introduce new categories?
Yes – Best Pop Artist and Best Country Video.

Final Verdict

The MTV VMAs 2025 blended unforgettable performances with groundbreaking wins, making it a night to remember. With Lady Gaga dominating the stage, Ariana Grande taking home the year’s biggest honor, and Sabrina Carpenter proving her star power, this year’s ceremony celebrated both established icons and rising talents. From K-pop to Afrobeats, the diversity of winners highlighted the global evolution of music.

⭐ RATING: 4.8/5 – An electric night that honored legends, spotlighted fresh talent, and proved why the VMAs remain the ultimate celebration of music culture.