The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 7, 2025. That spellbinding event was held at the UBS Arena in New York City. Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J, the ceremony marked a triumphant return to a normal year with the most memorable musical moments, milestones, and performances of 2021. The evening proved to be a magical mix of both familiar superstars and fresh talents with 34 awards given in 28 categories including Songwriter of the Year.
Lady Gaga was the most nominated artist heading into the night. She departed as the event’s biggest winner, winning awards for the live performance collaboration with Bruno Mars on their joint viral hit “Die With A Smile.” It’s no surprise that the duo’s emotional ballad performance quickly catapulted the pair to pop music superstars.
Notable Wins and Performances
The night was capped off with incredible performances and a handful of impressive champions. Ariana Grande captured an award for her empowering anthem “brighter days ahead,” a song that has inspired many during challenging times. The crowd gasped and then burst into applause as she performed a moving version of her chart topping self-love anthem.
Bruno Mars continued to shine, not only for his collaboration with Lady Gaga but for another win alongside ROSÉ for their song “APT.” This further affirms the versatility and global appeal of both artists across genres, highlighting their dynamic talent and ability to captivate fans around the world.
Travis Scott found new international recognition for his whammy-bar-wankin’, award-winning single “4X4Soltera.” Critics have lapped it up for its fresh sonic palette, sing-song verse and anthemic chorus. Meanwhile, on the musical front, Post Malone and Mariah Carey are still dominating the charts. They are both winners in unique categories, but they are both showcasing their popularity and longevity.
Celebrating Emerging Artists
The 2025 MTV VMAs were an important night for rising stars. Real Country Tour participant Alex Warren nabbed the coveted Best New Artist award, recognizing his trajectory up the music industry’s fast track. His novel sound and everyman appeal have made him the most buzzed-about act of the year, and a hard artist to miss over the next few years.
Other winners were Tyla, winning for her song “PUSH 2 START,” and Sabrina Carpenter, winning for “Short n’ Sweet.” In a collaborative moment between Doja Cat and RAYE with their song “Born Again,” they took home the win. Each artist contributed to the beautiful tapestry that was this thriving musical scene. Their performances highlighted the incredible range of talent on display at this year’s awards.
Ricky Martin received the new Latin Icon Award, celebrating his transformative work in furthering the reach of Latin music and culture. His legacy changes the future and inspires future generations of artists in every genre, dividing lines and borders.
The Impact of Awards Night
The 2025 MTV VMAs celebrated individual achievements and reinforced the importance of collaboration within the music industry. Lady Gaga’s collaborative win with Bruno Mars is just an example of how artists can unify and work collectively to produce powerful innovations in music.
“Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
The event opened with a brief crash-course in today’s music consumption landscape. Artists from different cultures, ethnicities, and languages collaborated to produce a unique blend of musical styles. The tribute to both long-standing luminaries and emerging change-makers highlights the industry’s focus on being more inclusive and innovative as it moves forward.
