Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande & Sabrina Carpenter Shine at 2025 MTV VMAs
Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes Honoured at Star-Studded VMAs
Elohim Nyame 
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up Long Island’s UBS Arena on Sunday, 7 September, with pop royalty and fresh talent sharing the spotlight. Hosted by rap legend LL Cool J, the ceremony delivered memorable performances from Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Ricky Martin, and Video Vanguard honouree Mariah Carey.
Lady Gaga led the nominations with 12 nods and emerged the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. However, she missed out on Video of the Year, which went to Ariana Grande’s empowering anthem “Brighter Days Ahead.” Grande collected three trophies in total, including Best Pop and Best Long Form Video.
Sabrina Carpenter also had a stellar night, clinching Best Pop Artist, Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Rising star Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, while Rosé & Bruno Mars scooped Song of the Year for their hit “Apt.”
Other notable wins included Doechii’s “Anxiety” as Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography, Mariah Carey’s “Type Dangerous” for Best R&B, Coldplay’s “All My Love” for Best Rock, and Shakira’s “Soltera” for Best Latin. South African star Tyla also broke through internationally, winning Best Afrobeats with “Push 2 Start.”
Special honours capped the night: Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, Ricky Martin was recognised as a Latin Icon, and Busta Rhymes took home the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
The event, known for setting pop culture moments, once again celebrated the power of music to unite global audiences, with both legends and newcomers making history on stage.
