MTV VMAs 2025 Winners: A Night of Shocking Triumphs
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners list has officially been revealed, and music fans worldwide are buzzing about the surprises, the iconic performances, and the unforgettable moments from this year’s show. Hosted once again by the legendary LL Cool J, the event took place at New York City’s UBS Arena on September 7, bringing together the biggest stars in the music industry for one electrifying night.
From pop icons to rising stars, the night was filled with historic wins and jaw-dropping performances that will be remembered for years. Let’s dive into the highlights, award results, and key takeaways from this unforgettable celebration of music.
Lady Gaga Leads as Artist of the Year
One of the most anticipated awards of the evening was Artist of the Year, and it was none other than Lady Gaga who walked away victorious. Competing against giants like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd, Gaga proved once again why she remains a global powerhouse.
Her acceptance speech, filled with gratitude and a promise to “push boundaries in music and performance,” was met with roaring applause.
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars Shine Bright
In one of the most competitive categories, Song of the Year, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars triumphed with their hit collaboration APT. The track, which dominated global charts, also solidified ROSÉ’s position as a K-pop star crossing boundaries into mainstream Western music.
Fans erupted online, celebrating this landmark win that bridges cultures and genres.
Ariana Grande Wins Video of the Year
Another big moment came when Ariana Grande took home Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead. Competing against Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, ROSÉ, and The Weeknd, Ariana’s inspiring anthem stole the spotlight with its powerful visuals and uplifting message.
Her performance of the song later that night left the entire arena in awe.
Honoring Legends: Mariah Carey & Busta Rhymes
The Video Vanguard Award went to Mariah Carey, honoring her decades-long influence in pop music. To celebrate, Mariah delivered a medley of her greatest hits, including We Belong Together and Always Be My Baby, proving that her vocals remain as powerful as ever.
Meanwhile, hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes received the Rock The Bells Visionary Award, a recognition of his groundbreaking impact on rap. His energetic performance had the crowd on their feet, reliving some of hip-hop’s golden moments.
Rising Stars Take the Spotlight
The Best New Artist category saw fierce competition, but Alex Warren emerged as the winner. His emotional acceptance speech highlighted how much this moment meant for his journey from independent artist to mainstream recognition.
Other breakout moments included sombr, who stunned audiences with a powerful live performance of Back to Friends.
Major Category Winners at the MTV VMAs 2025
Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about wins of the night:
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Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
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Song of the Year: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.
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Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
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Best Pop Song: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
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Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile
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Best R&B Song: Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous
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Best Alternative: sombr – Back to Friends
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Best Country Song: Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
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Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
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Best K-pop Song: LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – Born Again
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Best Afrobeats Song: Tyla – PUSH 2 START
A Star-Studded Night of Performances
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners weren’t the only highlight. The stage came alive with dazzling performances from Sabrina Carpenter, LL Cool J, and Mariah Carey. Ariana Grande’s performance of Brighter Days Ahead was hailed as one of the best in VMA history, while Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ duet left fans breathless.
These performances weren’t just entertainment; they were cultural moments shaping the future of music.
Why the MTV VMAs 2025 Mattered
The VMAs have always been about more than just trophies. This year’s event celebrated diversity, collaboration, and innovation across music genres. From K-pop to Afrobeats, the winners reflect the global nature of today’s music industry.
For fans, the MTV VMAs 2025 winners list wasn’t just about who won, it was about witnessing history unfold in real time.
Final Thoughts on the MTV VMAs 2025 Winners
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners brought unforgettable moments that fans will be talking about long after the curtain closed. With Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and ROSÉ leading the pack, and legends like Mariah Carey being honored, this year’s VMAs proved once again why it remains one of the most iconic nights in music.
As music continues to evolve, the VMAs remind us of one simple truth: the power of music to inspire, connect, and transform lives is timeless.
