Hosted by LL Cool J, this year’s VMAs felt like a true celebration of both legacy and fresh talent. For the first time, the show aired on CBS as well as MTV and streamed live on Paramount+, opening the door to millions of new viewers.

Lady Gaga dominated with four Moon Person trophies, reinforcing her reign as one of pop’s most unstoppable forces. Ariana Grande earned the night’s top honor with Video of the Year for her uplifting anthem “Brighter Days Ahead.”

The show also introduced new fan-voted categories, including Best Country and Best Pop Artist, marking a step forward in diversifying the genres recognized on music’s most playful awards stage.

Standout Highlights

  • Lady Gaga took home Artist of the Year, closing her Mayhem Ball summer tour with another landmark achievement.
  • Ariana Grande performed and won Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for “Brighter Days Ahead.”
  • Busta Rhymes delivered a medley of his greatest hits alongside Spliff Star, Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and GloRilla before accepting the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
  • Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, cementing her influence on generations of pop and R&B artists.
  • Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, bringing the crowd to its feet with gratitude and celebration.
  • A heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne reminded audiences of the heavy metal pioneer’s lasting impact after his passing earlier this year.

Complete Winners List

Here are some of the most notable winners of the night:

  • Video of the Year: Ariana Grande — “Brighter Days Ahead”
  • Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
  • Song of the Year: Rosé & Bruno Mars — “APT.”
  • Best New Artist: Alex Warren
  • Best Pop Artist (Fan Vote): Sabrina Carpenter
  • Best Pop Video: Ariana Grande — “Brighter Days Ahead”
  • Best Hip-Hop: Doechii — “Anxiety”
  • Best Rock: Coldplay — “All My Love”
  • Best Afrobeats: Tyla — “Push 2 Start”
  • Best Latin: Shakira — “Soltera”
  • Best Alternative: Sombr — “Back to Friends”
  • Best Visual Effects: Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”

The 2025 VMAs underscored a shifting landscape in pop culture. Female artists like Gaga, Grande, and Carpenter dominated, while newcomers like Alex Warren and global names like Rosé, Bruno Mars, and Tyla reminded fans that the music industry continues to evolve.

Balancing the legacy of icons such as Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Busta Rhymes with the energy of rising stars, the VMAs proved that honoring history while embracing the future makes for one of music’s most exciting nights.