MTV VMAs 2025 Winners: Complete List, Highlights, Performances, and Memorable Moments
Introduction
The 42nd annual MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) took place on September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, hosted by hip-hop icon LL Cool J. The event was broadcast live on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+, marking a high-energy celebration of music, culture, and visual storytelling.
The VMAs have long been one of the most anticipated nights in music, where chart-topping hits collide with iconic red carpet fashion and unforgettable performances. This year was no exception, from genre-defining wins to emotional tributes to legendary artists.
Section 1: Complete List of MTV VMAs 2025 Winners
Here’s the comprehensive category-wise breakdown of winners from the 2025 VMAs:
| Category | Winner(s) |
|---|---|
| Video of the Year | Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead” |
| Song of the Year | ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.” |
| Artist of the Year | Lady Gaga |
| Best New Artist | Alex Warren |
| Best Pop | Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead” |
| Best R&B | Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous” |
| Best Alternative | sombr – “back to friends” |
| Best K-Pop | LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – “Born Again” |
| Best Afrobeats | Tyla – “PUSH 2 START” |
| Best Country | Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?” |
| Best Collaboration | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die with a Smile” |
| Song of the Summer | Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching” |
| MTV Push Performance of the Year | Katseye – “Touch” |
| Video Vanguard Award | Mariah Carey |
| Rock the Bells Visionary Award | Busta Rhymes |
| Latin Icon Award | Ricky Martin |
Section 2: Night’s Biggest Highlights
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Lady Gaga emerged as the night’s most celebrated artist, securing Artist of the Year and clinching a total of four Moon Person trophies—leading the pack among all nominees with 12 nods.
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Ariana Grande dazzled with “brighter days ahead,” earning both Video of the Year and Best Pop accolades.
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ROSÉ & Bruno Mars made K-Pop history, winning Song of the Year for their track “APT.”
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Mariah Carey received her first-ever VMA, earning the Video Vanguard Award and adding an emotional chapter to her iconic career.
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Tate McRae scored the elusive “Song of the Summer” with her hit “Just Keep Watching.”
Section 3: Standout Performances
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Mariah Carey’s triumphant return: In her first VMA appearance in two decades, Carey not only accepted the Vanguard Award (presented by Ariana Grande), but also delivered a stirring medley of her classic hits while decked in a gold robe and glittering couture.
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Tributes and medleys: Busta Rhymes performed before receiving the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin was celebrated with the inaugural Latin Icon Award following his electrifying performance.Memorable guest appearances: Performing artists included Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren, Katseye, Doja Cat, and Post Malone with Jelly Roll. The evening also featured a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt.
Section 4: Red Carpet & Fashion
The red carpet was a vibrant showcase of bold fashion and star power. Lady Gaga made a glamorous statement during her brief appearance before quickly heading to her sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Several outfits and entry looks generated viral moments across social media platforms.
Section 5: Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
Fans erupted across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, especially around historic wins like ROSÉ’s first K-Pop Song of the Year and Mariah Carey’s long-overdue Vanguard Award. Memes, heartfelt posts, and celebratory videos trended well into the night, making VMAs 2025 a truly interactive cultural event.
Section 6: Industry Impact & What It All Means
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Music’s evolving landscape: The dominance of artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande continues to highlight pop music’s vitality, while wins by ROSÉ and Tyla underscore the globalization and genre diversity shaping current music trends.
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Career-defining moments: The VMAs offered pivotal visibility for emerging artists like Alex Warren and Tate McRae, while honoring legends such as Mariah Carey, reinforcing how VMAs serve as both a launchpad and a tribute platform.
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Looking ahead: With such unprecedented celebrations—from debuts to momentous firsts—the VMAs set the tone for artists to watch ahead of award seasons like the Grammys in 2026.
Conclusion
From iconic performances to history-making winners, the MTV VMAs 2025 stand as a landmark celebration in music history. Lady Gaga’s stellar wins, Ariana Grande’s chart-topping visuals, ROSÉ’s global breakthrough, and Mariah Carey’s long-overdue Vanguard honor made the night unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan or a casual observer, the 2025 VMAs delivered a perfect mix of artistry, emotion, and cultural resonance.
