The 2025 MTV VMAs: A Night of Icons, Breakthroughs, and Global Sounds
- Matheus Hooks/ Editor-In-Chief
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The MTV Video Music Awards 2025 lit up the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7 with a ceremony that balanced nostalgia, innovation, and powerful performances. Hosted by LL Cool J, the evening celebrated the most influential names in music today while also honoring legends who paved the way.
Lady Gaga: The Night’s Biggest Winner
With 12 nominations and four wins, Lady Gaga once again proved why she’s one of the most transformative figures in pop music. She took home Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration for Die With a Smile with Bruno Mars, Best Direction, and Best Art Direction for her visually daring Abracadabra. Gaga’s triumph cemented her status as both a cultural powerhouse and a creative visionary.
Ariana Grande Takes Video of the Year
The coveted Video of the Year award went to Ariana Grande for Brighter Days Ahead, which also earned her Best Pop Video. With stunning visuals and Grande’s powerhouse vocals, the track stood as one of the most defining moments of the year in pop.
Rosé Makes History for K-pop
Rosé of BLACKPINK broke barriers by becoming the first solo K-pop artist to win Song of the Year, thanks to her emotional hit Apt. The victory marked a historic milestone not only for Rosé but for K-pop’s growing dominance on the global stage.
Sabrina Carpenter Shines Bright
One of the biggest moments of the night came for Sabrina Carpenter, who claimed Best Pop Artist and the prestigious Album of the Year award for Short n’ Sweet. With three wins, Carpenter solidified her place as one of the leading voices of a new pop generation.
Rising Stars: Alex Warren and Tate McRae
The VMAs also spotlighted fresh talent:
Alex Warren earned Best New Artist, a breakthrough moment for the rising star.
Tate McRae won Song of the Summer with Just Keep Watching, further proving her status as one of Gen Z’s favorite hitmakers.
Special Honors: Celebrating Icons
This year’s ceremony also paid tribute to music legends:
Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, remarkably her very first VMA in more than three decades of stardom.
Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, celebrating his influence on Latin music and global pop.
Busta Rhymes became the first recipient of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his boundary-pushing contributions to hip-hop.
Expanding Genres and Global Sounds
Reflecting the diversity of today’s music, the 2025 VMAs introduced and celebrated a wider range of genres:
Best Country: Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
Best Afrobeats: Tyla – Push 2 Start
Best Alternative: Sombr – Back to Friends
Best K-pop: Lisa (with Doja Cat & RAYE) – Born Again
A Celebration of Past, Present, and Future
From Gaga’s artistry to Rosé’s history-making moment, from Sabrina Carpenter’s rise to Mariah Carey’s long-awaited honor, the 2025 VMAs reminded the world why this award show continues to be one of music’s most talked-about stages.
It was a night of icons reclaiming their crowns, newcomers claiming the spotlight, and genres from every corner of the globe stepping into the mainstream. The VMAs 2025 didn’t just celebrate the music of today — they offered a glimpse into the future of sound and spectacle.
