The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, dubbed "Music's Most Iconic Night," took place on Sunday, September 7, live from New York's UBS Arena. Hosted by the legendary LL COOL J, the event marked a significant broadcast shift, airing live coast-to-coast on CBS for the first time, in addition to MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.

A star-studded one-hour pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, kicked off the celebrations at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. Special performers for the pre-show included KATSEYE, who delivered their latest singles "Gnarly" and "Gabriela." The pre-show was simulcast across multiple channels including BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, and VH1.

The main ceremony was packed with memorable performances and heartfelt tributes. A highlight was the special tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at age 76. Rock icons Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt joined forces to honor the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee with a medley of his greatest hits. For the first time, the VMAs Extended Play Stage moved into the main show, spotlighting first-time VMA nominees Bailey Zimmerman feat. The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney. Young performed her smash-hit "Messy," while Moroney presented "6 Months Later."

Several music luminaries were honored with prestigious awards. Mariah Carey received this year’s Video Vanguard Award, gracing the stage with a career-spanning medley of her hits. Busta Rhymes was presented with the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin was celebrated with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, both delivering compelling medleys of their own megahits.

Going into the night, Lady Gaga led the nominations with an impressive 12 nods, followed closely by her "Die With a Smile" collaborator Bruno Mars with 11. Other top contenders included Kendrick Lamar (10), Sabrina Carpenter (9), ROSÉ (8), Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (7 each), Billie Eilish and Tate McRae (6 each), Charli xcx (5), and Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus, and Morgan Wallen (4 each).

The night saw many artists walk away with the coveted Moon Person trophy. Lady Gaga emerged as the biggest winner, adding four more VMAs to her career total of 18. She secured Artist of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Direction, and Best Collaboration for "Die With a Smile" alongside Bruno Mars. Ariana Grande also had a triumphant night with three victories, taking home 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 and Bruno Mars’ Billboard Hot 100 hit "APT." won Song of the Year, while ROSÉ's BLACKPINK bandmate LISA took home Best K-pop for "Born Again" with Doja Cat and RAYE. Other notable winners included Alex Warren for Best New Artist, KATSEYE for MTV Push Performance of the Year (January 2025), Doechii for Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography, Mariah Carey for Best R&B ("Type Dangerous"), sombr for Best Alternative, Coldplay for Best Rock, Shakira for Best Latin, Tyla for Best Afrobeats, Megan Moroney for Best Country, Kendrick Lamar for Best Cinematography, Tate McRae for Best Editing and Song of the Summer, and BLACKPINK for Best Group.

The 2025 MTV VMAs were executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski, with Van Toffler serving as producer. Alicia Portugal was co-executive producer, Jackie Barba handled executive in charge of production, Wendy Plaut for celebrity talent, and Lisa Lauricella for music talent.