MTV VMAs 2025: See the list of winners

MTV VMAs 2025: A Night of Powerhouse Wins and Pop Royalty

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena in New York on September 7 with a dazzling celebration of music, visuals, and star power.

Hosted by LL Cool J for the second consecutive year, the ceremony delivered unforgettable performances and long-overdue recognition for some of the industry's biggest names.

Lady Gaga emerged as the undisputed queen of the night, sweeping four major categories including Artist of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Direction, and Best Collaboration for her haunting duet “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. Her dominance was a testament to her continued innovation and visual storytelling prowess.

Ariana Grande also had a triumphant evening, taking home Video of the Year for her euphoric anthem “Brighter Days Ahead.” She added Best Pop and Best Pop Artist to her collection, solidifying her status as a genre-defining force. Sabrina Carpenter, riding high on the success of her album Short n’ Sweet, clinched Album of the Year and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild,” marking a breakout moment in her career.

The Song of the Year honor went to Rosé and Bruno Mars for their collaboration “APT.,” a track that resonated across genres and audiences. Their partnership also earned them Best Pop and Best Collaboration, making them one of the most celebrated duos of the night.

Mariah Carey, in a moment that felt both celebratory and overdue, received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Her acceptance speech, “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”, was met with laughter and applause, as she finally joined the ranks of VMA legends. Carey also won Best R&B Video for “Type Dangerous,” proving her relevance and reinvention remain unmatched.

Other notable wins included Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?” for Best Country Video, and MOLIY’s remix “Shake It To The Max (FLY)” featuring Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea, which took home Best Afrobeats and Song of the Summer. Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, while Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, both delivering electrifying performances that paid homage to their legacies.

The 2025 VMAs not only celebrated the biggest names in music but also embraced a wider spectrum of genres and global talent. From K-pop to country, Afrobeats to alternative, the awards reflected the evolving landscape of music and the artists who continue to shape it. It was a night of glitter, gratitude, and groundbreaking artistry, one that will be remembered as a defining chapter in pop culture history.

Here are a collection of vibrant and stylish photos from the 2025 MTV VMAs, including red carpet arrivals, on-stage performances, and behind-the-scenes moments, to include Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ricky Martin in all their glory: