The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, dubbed “Music’s Most Iconic Night,” aired live on Sunday, September 7, from New York’s UBS Arena, with LL COOL J serving as the host. The event was broadcast on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streamed on Paramount+, marking the first time the VMAs aired on CBS. A one-hour pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, featured special performances by KATSEYE, who performed their latest singles “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.” The VMAs Extended Play Stage also made its debut in-show, highlighting first-time nominees Bailey Zimmerman feat. The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney, with Young performing “Messy” and Moroney her track “6 Months Later.”

The night was filled with stellar performances and significant honors. A special tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at age 76, saw Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt join forces for a medley of his greatest hits. Mariah Carey, a two-time Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper in 2025, received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award and delivered a career-spanning medley. Busta Rhymes was honored with the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin received the inaugural Latin Icon Award, both performing medleys of their hits. Other performers included Lady Gaga, Tate McRae, Alex Warren, Sabrina Carpenter, HUNTR/X (voiced by EJAE, Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna), Conan Gray, Doja Cat, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and sombr.

Lady Gaga led the nominations with an impressive 12 nods and emerged as the night's big winner, adding to her 18 career VMA wins. She took home Artist of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Direction, and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” alongside Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars was a frequent collaborator on winning tracks, with ROSÉ & Bruno Mars securing Song of the Year for their Billboard Hot 100 hit “APT.”

Ariana Grande also had a triumphant night, earning three Moon Person trophies for Video of the Year and Best Long-Form Video for “Brighter Days Ahead,” as well as Best Pop. Sabrina Carpenter matched Grande with three wins: Pop Artist, Album for “Short n’ Sweet,” and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Other notable winners included Alex Warren for Best New Artist, KATSEYE for MTV Push Performance of the Year (“Touch”), Doechii for Best Hip-Hop (“Anxiety”), Mariah Carey for Best R&B (“Type Dangerous”), sombr for Best Alternative (“Back to Friends”), Coldplay for Best Rock (“All My Love”), Shakira for Best Latin (“Soltera“), and LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE for Best K-pop (“Born Again”). BLACKPINK was crowned Best Group.

A significant highlight was South African star Tyla’s win for Best Afrobeats for her hit song “PUSH 2 START.” This marked her first MTV Video Music Award, and she celebrated by thanking her fans on social media for their support in her journey from local to global stardom. Tyla, who also received a nomination for Best Choreography for the same song, acknowledged the tough competition, giving a shout-out to all nominees and Africa. On the red carpet, the 23-year-old artist captivated attention in a vintage 1993 Chanel dress, previously worn by supermodel Claudia Schiffer, accessorized with Pandora jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels. Tyla also teased upcoming music, including a song titled “Chanel” and a duet with Nile Rodgers called “Talk to Me.” Nigerian stars Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr were also nominated in various categories, showcasing diverse African talent at the awards.

The 2025 MTV VMAs were executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski, with Van Toffler returning as producer after a decade-long absence.