Entertainment
2025 MTV VMAs: Ariana Grande Wins Video of the Year, Lady Gaga Takes Home 4 Awards (Full Recap)
Ariana Grande Wins Video of the Year, Lady Gaga Wins Most Awards of the Night
7 hr 37 min ago
Just moments after winning the Best Pop award for “Brighter Days Ahead,” Ariana Grande took home the MTV VMAs’ biggest honor of the night, Video of the Year.
During her brief acceptance speech, Grande thanked her fans, who she said she loved with all her heart. “I’m so grateful I get to do this with my life,” the Wicked star said, thanking everyone for their support as she continues to grow as an artist (and on-screen performer).
She wrapped up her speech by telling fans to keep focused on the end goal to know that “there are brighter days ahead.” She also teased that “we’ll see you on tour” before exiting the stage.
In total, Grande won three awards, tying with Sabrina Carpenter. But it was Lady Gaga who took home the most wins of this year’s ceremony, with four, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her duet with Bruno Mars.
See the complete list of winners. Check out the biggest fashion moments of this year’s MTV VMAs.
Ariana Grande Thanks Gay People, Her Therapist for Best Pop Win
8 hr 4 min ago
Ariana Grande was everywhere Sunday night at the MTV VMAs. After stunning on the red carpet and introducing the Video Vanguard Award to Mariah Carey, the singer had her moment to shine when she won the VMA for Best Pop for “Brighter Days Ahead.”
“I think I broke it,” she said as she first took the stage to accept her Moonperson. She then went on to shoutout her father, who appeared in the winning music video. “Thank you to my dad who acted in this video for the first time in his life.”
After reading a long list of all the collaborators who were involved in making the music video, Grande closed out her speech by saying, “Thank you to my therapist and gay people.”
See the rest of the night’s winners.
Sabrina Carpenter Drops F-Bomb After Winning Best Album
8 hr 25 min ago
“This is my second moonman, which is so crazy,” Sabrina Carpenter said while accepting the MTV VMA for Best Album on Sunday night. She won the category for Short n’ Sweet.
During her speech, she also shouted out “my queens” who performed with her onstage earlier in the ceremony, noting to them (and the LGBTQ community as a whole) that “the world is your f—in’ oyster.”
While the room was full of cheers for Carpenter, none of them was more excited than Ariana Grande, who was one of the first to leap out of her seat to give the singer a standing ovation for the win.
See all the winners of the 2025 MTV VMAs.
Jack Osbourne and His Daughters Introduce Tribute to Late Father Ozzy
8 hr 39 min ago
Jack Osbourne and his four daughters — all wearing “Ozzy” T-shirts — appeared at the MTV VMAs on Sunday via a video message to introduce the ceremony’s tribute performance to his late father and metal icon, Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July at 76 years old.
Prior to Sunday, MTV announced the Black Sabbath rocker would be honored with a medley of his greatest hits — including “Changes” — featuring Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Yungblud and Nuno Bettencourt.
For Tyler, the performance marked his return to the awards show stage after retiring from touring due to vocal injury. (He also performed in February at a Grammy Awards event.)
Yungblud ended the tribute with high-fives to fans before running offstage (with his mic stand in hand).
Speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet before the ceremony began, Bettencourt talked about honoring Osbourne, who had an impact on him as a child. “It’s incredible. My 15-year-old self can’t believe it. We grew up on Ozzy. He changed rock and roll and metal as we know it,” he said. “So I think the tribute tonight with myself, Yungblud, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry… it’s old blood and young blood tonight.”
Bettencourt added, “We’re gonna blow the roof off the place and I think the fans are gonna be pleased. Maybe a few tears at the end.”
Read more from Bettencourt’s interview with PEOPLE.
Lady Gaga Performs ‘The Dead Dance’ for the First Time
8 hr 59 min ago
Even though she was not singing live at the UBS Arena on Sunday, Lady Gaga still slayed with a pre-taped performance captured during her Saturday night tour stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
During the epic performance, Gaga sang “Abracadabra” from Mayhem and her newest single, “The Dead Dance,” which was released alongside Netflix’s Wednesday season 2.
The performance followed a surprise appearance by Gaga earlier in the ceremony, when she won Artist of the Year. During her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to both fans and her fiancé, Michael Polansky.
“Gotta get back to MSG,” she quipped before exiting the stage so she could get back to her tour, where she had delayed the start of Sunday night’s show.
Read more about why Gaga pre-taped her VMA performance.
Mariah Carey (Flawlessly) Runs Through Her Hits for Vanguard Award Performance
9 hr 10 min ago
Mariah Carey proved why she’s one of the greatest of all time with a mic drop performance of hits from throughout her career before accepting the Vanguard Awards at the MTV VMAs on Sunday.
During a medley of songs — many of which have earned Carey one of her eight total nominations over the years — the singer even brought out her “Heartbreaker” alter ego, Bianca, for a brief cameo, before running through more fan-favorite hits.
The crowd was especially amped up during the performance, with Ciara among many in the audience standing up and swaying (and seemingly singing) along.
After she was done singing, Carey was presented her award by Ariana Grande (who also introduced her). “This moonman is very heavy,” Carey laughed as she began her acceptance speech. “I’m so grateful for you,” she told Grande, much to her surprise.
“I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey announced, before ribbing MTV. “What were you waiting for?” (Carey actually won her first-ever competitive VMA for Best R&B for “Type Dangerous” earlier in the evening.)
As the two left the stage, Carey and Grande shared another hug and exited together.
Read more about her stunning performance look.
Ariana Grande Makes an Outfit Change for Mariah Carey Intro
9 hr 10 min ago
During a commercial break, Ariana Grande re-entered the UBS Arena in a new outfit — a change from her Audrey Hepburn-inspired glam custom polka-dot dress she wore on the red carpet at the MTV VMAs.
Of course, Grande just appearing anywhere tonight garnered attention from fans in the room. As soon as she was spotted, people in the pit started chanting her name before she bent down to touch fans’ hands on her walk up to the center stage, where she introduced Mariah Carey’s performance for the Video Vanguard Award.
Sabrina Carpenter Wants to ‘Protect the Dolls’ During VMA Performance
9 hr 27 min ago
Sabrina Carpenter brought the ballroom to the MTV VMAs when she performed her hit new single, “Tears.”
Like previous VMA performances, Carpenter didn’t waste a single moment on stage with another headline-worthy showcase — this time, using it to lead a protest in support of the LGBTQ community. Flanked by various queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, signs reading “Dolls, Dolls, Dolls” and “Protect Trans Rights” could be seen by audiences at the UBS Arena as well as those watching on TV at home.
Frankie Grande was spotted standing and clapping for Carpenter once the signs went up.
In total, Carpenter is up for nine video music awards, making her one of the most nominated artists of the night. She’s vying for top honors, including Video of the Year for “Manchild.”
Busta Rhymes Honors Ananda Lewis, LL Cool J in Acceptance Speech
9 hr 41 min ago
Busta Rhymes dedicated his win for the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award to host LL Cool J for inspiring him to write his first rap lyrics. He then ribbed MTV for “waiting 35 years” to finally give him a Moon Person. (He’s been nominated several times for “GImme Some More,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” and more in the past.)
Busta also paid tribute to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis, who died in June at 52 years old after first being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
His honor came after the rapper led a medley of his hit songs, including “Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2,” “Scenario” and more, in a long awaited return to the stage at the VMAs. The performance had the crowd jumping thanks to his enthusiastic delivery.
Read more about Busta’s acceptance speech.
Rosé Wins First Solo Moonperson for Song of the Year
9 hr 56 min ago
Rosé’s collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Apt.,” won the singer her first-ever solo Moonperson on Sunday during the MTV VMAs.
While accepting her award from Paris Hilton, Rosé thanked Mars and promised to call him after the show to tell him just how much he means to her. She also took the time to thank her fellow Blackpink members, giving them a shoutout on stage.
“Apt.,” meanwhile, is nominated for several awards, including the top honor Video of the Year. The singer is also nominated for Best K-Pop for “Toxic Till the End.”
See all the 2025 MTV VMA winners.
Tate McRae Gets Sultry on Stage
9 hr 56 min ago
Tate McRae followed her win earlier during the preshow — taking home Song of Summer for “Just Keep Watching” — with a stunning performance of “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car” while on the stage at the UBS Arena during the MTV VMAs.
Flanked by speedo-adorned muscly male models, McRae showed off her sultry dance moves as they all crawled through a sand pit.
Introduced by Nikki Glaser, it was no surprise the comedian was spotted singing along to every word while McRae wowed audiences with her debut VMA performance.
“Sports Car” was up for Song of the Year, which went to Rosé and Bruno Mars. See all the winners of the night.
Ricky Martin Lives Up to Latin Icon Award with Energetic Performance
10 hr 19 min ago
Ricky Martin proved why he was being honored with the MTV VMAs first-ever Latin Icon Award during Sunday’s ceremony by delivering an energetic medley of hit songs — “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” “Pégate,” “Vente Pa’ Ca,” “María” and “The Cup of Life” — at the UBS Arena in New York.
Prior to taking the stage, J Balvin introduced the singer. Although he tried to make a covert entrance, fans spotted him being raised on a platform as they took in just how high he was above the stage before the start of his performance.
Jessica Simpson, meanwhile, presented Martin with the golden Moonperson, telling the audience, “He just crushed it!” Martin then returned to the stage to thank the crowd, telling his fans that his award is “for you all… I’m addicted to your applause.”
Read more about Martin’s acceptance speech.
Lady Gaga Leaves Her Concert to Accept Artist of the Year
10 hr 28 min ago
Lady Gaga took a break from her string of concerts at New York City’s Madison Square Garden to accept the MTV VMAs’ first on-air award of the night: Artist of the Year. She won a competitive category, which included the likes of Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd.
During her emotional speech, she thanked her fans as well as her fiancé, Michael Polansky. “Gotta get back to MSG,” she quipped before exiting the stage.
Gaga will make another appearance later in the evening with a pre-recorded rendition of “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance,” the newly released single for Wednesday season 2. She taped both numbers during her MSG show on Saturday night.
Read more about her acceptance speech.
Doja Cat Brings the ’80s Back to the VMAs
10 hr 28 min ago
Doja Cat, who kicked off the night by slaying the red carpet, gave fans a blast from the past during her performance of “Jealous Type,” which opened the MTV VMAs. The singer channeled all things ’80s while taking the stage in a very Saved by the Bell-inspired set.
The performance, which garnered a robust reaction from the crowd, even got Ariana Grande to jump out of her seat as soon as Doja wrapped up on stage. According to onlookers, the Wicked star was bopping along the entire set.
Ariana Grande Makes a Last-Minute Entrance
10 hr 45 min ago
Ariana Grande — who was channeling Audrey Hepburn in a black custom Fendi dress covered in white polka-dots — arrived moments before the MTV VMAs started airing live. As she made her way to her seat, the arena erupted into applause and started chanting “Ari” as she waved and greeted fans in the pit.
She was followed by her brother Frankie, who spoke with PEOPLE on the red carpet before the awards show.
The singer took the time to share his marriage rule with husband Hale Leon that keeps their relationship going strong. “He’s gonna say that he’s always right, and that’s the rule,” Grande said of Leon after asking him what he thought their rule was.
Sombr and Tate McRae Win Awards During the Preshow
10 hr 55 min ago
Tate McRae and sombr were among the other winners who received Moonpersons during the MTV VMAs preshow.
McRae won Song of Summer for “Just Keep Watching,” beating out herself (for her feature on the Morgan Wallen song, “What I Want”) as well as Chappell Roan, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and more.
A clearly surprised sombr, meanwhile, took home the Best Alternative category for “Back to Friends.” He bested Gigi Perez, Imagine Dragons, Lola Young, The Marias, MGK and Jelly Roll.
See all the winners.
Alex Warren Wins the First Moonsperson of the Night
11 hr 25 min ago
Alex Warren was visibly stunned on the red carpet when it was revealed during the MTV VMAs preshow that the singer-songwriter took home the ceremony’s first prize: Best New Artist. He beat out the other two finalists, The Marias and sombr.
In total, Warren is up for four Moon Persons, with nominations in the Song of the Year, Best Pop and Song of Summer categories for his hit song, “Ordinary.” He is among 33 first-time nominees of the night.
Warren is also slated to take the stage during the main ceremony.
See all the winners of the night.
Katseye Gets ‘Gnarly’ During Preshow Performance
11 hr 37 min ago
During the VMAs preshow, Katseye took the stage to perform their hit, “Gnarly.”
The girl group, which is having a major moment right now, are first-time nominees. The women are up for the MTV Push Performance of the Year (January 2025 for “Touch”) as well as Best Group, a packed category with Backstreet Boys, Evanescence, Imagine Dragons, Stray Kids and more all vying for the Moon Person.
Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia and Yoonchae are also performing “Gabriela” during the preshow.
Doja Cat, KATSEYE and More Walk the Red Carpet
12 hr 16 min ago
As the action gets started at the UBS Arena in New York, some of music biggest stars arriving on the MTV VMAs 2025 red carpet.
Already making style statements are Tate McRae, Megan Moroney, Shenseea, Too Much‘s Meg Stalter, Ricky Martin, Doja Cat and Katseye.
See all the arrivals.
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