The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, billed as “Music’s Most Iconic Night,” aired live coast-to-coast from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7th, at 8:00 p.m., ET/5:00 p.m., PT. The ceremony was broadcast on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streamed on Paramount+ in the U.S., marking the first time the VMAs were shown on CBS. Hosted by LL COOL J, the event celebrated the year’s most impactful music videos and artists.

A star-studded lineup of performers graced the stage, including Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Tate McRae, Alex Warren, and Sabrina Carpenter, all of whom topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025. Other notable performers included Conan Gray, Doja Cat, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and sombr. A special tribute honored the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at age 76. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt joined forces to perform a medley of Osbourne’s greatest hits.

Several artists were recognized with prestigious awards. Mariah Carey received the coveted Video Vanguard Award and performed a career-spanning medley of her hits. Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, also delivering a medley of his megahits. Busta Rhymes was presented with the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and similarly, performed a medley of his own career-defining songs.

The VMAs Extended Play Stage, moving in-show for the first time, showcased first-time VMA nominees such as Bailey Zimmerman featuring The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney. Lola Young performed her smash-hit “Messy,” while Megan Moroney delivered her track “6 Months Later.” The one-hour pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, featured special performances by KATSEYE, who performed their latest singles “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.”

Leading the nominations heading into the night was Lady Gaga with an impressive 12 nods, followed by her “Die With a Smile” collaborator Bruno Mars with 11. Other top contenders included Kendrick Lamar (10), Sabrina Carpenter (nine), ROSÉ (eight), Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (seven each), Billie Eilish and Tate McRae (six each), Charli xcx (five), and Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus, and Morgan Wallen (four each).

The night concluded with Lady Gaga emerging as the biggest winner, adding four Moon Person trophies to her collection, bringing her career total to 22 VMAs. She took home Artist of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Direction, and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” alongside Bruno Mars. Ariana Grande was another major winner, securing three awards: Video of the Year and Best Long-Form Video for “Brighter Days Ahead,” as well as Best Pop. Sabrina Carpenter also earned three trophies for Pop Artist, Album for *Short n’ Sweet*, and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” ROSÉ, in collaboration with Bruno Mars, won Song of the Year for their Billboard Hot 100 hit “APT.” Her BLACKPINK bandmate LISA, with Doja Cat and RAYE, took home the Best K-pop award for “Born Again.”

Additional winners included Alex Warren for Best New Artist, Doechii for Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography, Mariah Carey for Best R&B, Coldplay for Best Rock, Shakira for Best Latin, Tyla for Best Afrobeats, Megan Moroney for Best Country, Charli xcx for Video for Good, Kendrick Lamar for Best Cinematography, Tate McRae for Best Editing and Song of the Summer, and BLACKPINK for Best Group.

The event’s executive producers were Bruce Gillmer, Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski, with Van Toffler returning as producer after a decade-long absence. Alicia Portugal served as co-executive producer, Jackie Barba as executive in charge of production, Wendy Plaut as executive in charge of celebrity talent, and Lisa Lauricella as executive in charge of music talent.