MTV VMAs Shine on CBS Debut with Gaga, Grande Triumphs

Elmont, New York - LL Cool J hosted the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on Sunday night, where Lady Gaga seized Artist of the Year and Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” was crowned Video of the Year.

Fans fuelled the night’s biggest wins as MTV expanded its reach, broadcasting the ceremony live on CBS for the first time alongside MTV and Paramount+ simulcasts. The show also introduced two fan-voted categories-Best Country and Best Pop Artist-underscoring MTV’s growing commitment to audience engagement.

Major Honors and Milestones

  • Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga captured the top prize, adding to her four-trophy haul from 12 nominations-the most of any artist this year.
  • Video of the Year: Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” clinched the Moon Person, marking her third win of the evening and three trophies overall.
  • Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter won the inaugural fan-voted category with three awards in total, celebrating her versatility across performance and video craft.
  • New Fan-Voted Categories: The debut of Best Country and Best Pop Artist empowered viewers to directly shape the outcome.

Tributes to Music Icons

  • Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey finally secured her first VMA trophy with a stunning medley of classics, delivered in a glittering gold ensemble.
  • Rock the Bells Visionary Award: Hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes was honoured for his enduring influence and electrified the crowd with a medley of his hits.
  • Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin received MTV’s inaugural tribute to Latino legacy, delivering an energetic performance of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and “María”.

Show Highlights and Global Impact

  • Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt united for a rousing homage to the late metal legend, delivering classics like “Crazy Train”.
  • Groundbreaking Performances: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears” featured a powerful statement for trans rights, while Gaga and Grande energized the audience with remote and live sets.
  • Ratings Boost: The CBS partnership propelled viewership to 5.5 million-up 42 percent from last year-marking the VMAs’ highest audience in six years.

By merging fan participation, historic tributes and chart-topping performances, the 2025 VMAs reaffirmed themselves as a cultural barometer for music’s evolving landscape.