Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga Dominate at 2025 MTV VMAs in New York

Ariana Grande captured Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead” while Lady Gaga secured Artist of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards held Sunday at UBS Arena in New York. LL Cool J hosted a night of tributes and high-energy performances honoring music’s biggest talents.

Nut Graf The annual VMAs showcased the industry’s top creators, celebrating groundbreaking videos and live acts. Special honors swept up icons Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes, underscoring MTV’s blend of legacy recognition and fan-driven awards in its first CBS broadcast.

Key Winners and Honors

  • Video of the Year: Ariana Grande, “Brighter Days Ahead”
  • Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
  • Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey honored for career-spanning impact
  • Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin for decades of chart-topping hits
  • Rock the Bells Visionary Award: Busta Rhymes for pioneering hip-hop legacy

Ceremony Highlights and Performances LL Cool J opened with a dynamic welcome, setting the tone for a night featuring standout acts by Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin and a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne led by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and YUNGBLUD. Mariah Carey accepted her Moon Person amid roaring applause, while Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes each dedicated their awards to the fans who fueled their careers.

Lady Gaga dashed across town post-ceremony to continue her Mayhem Ball at Madison Square Garden, underscoring her relentless work ethic. Sabrina Carpenter added Best Pop Artist to her accolades, and BLACKPINK took home Best Group. Doechii’s “Anxiety” won Best Hip-Hop, and Charli XCX featuring Billie Eilish secured Video for Good, spotlighting socially conscious storytelling.

Viewer Engagement and Social Media Following the live CBS telecast, MTV released additional category winners via social channels, driving trending conversations online. The seamless simulcast on Paramount+ expanded the global reach, confirming the VMAs’ continued role as a cultural touchstone.

Concluding Notes With its blend of fan-voted categories, iconic tributes and chart-topping performances, the 2025 VMAs reaffirmed MTV’s commitment to both musical innovation and honoring industry pioneers. The event cemented the network’s shift to CBS, promising an evolution of the ceremony that balances spectacle with heartfelt recognition.