The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, dubbed “Music’s Most Iconic Night,” aired live on Sunday, September 7, from New York’s UBS Arena. Hosted by LL COOL J, the ceremony marked a significant shift as it aired on CBS for the first time, in addition to being simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. The show navigated the perennial challenge of balancing tributes to legacy artists with showcasing contemporary hitmakers, a dynamic that drew both praise and criticism.

A star-studded lineup of performers and presenters graced the stage and screen. The pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, featured performances by KATSEYE with their singles “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.” During the main show, the VMAs Extended Play Stage moved in-show for the first time, highlighting debut VMA nominees Bailey Zimmerman feat. The Kid LAROI, Lola Young (performing “Messy”), and Megan Moroney (performing “6 Months Later”). Other announced performers included Alex Warren, Conan Gray, Doja Cat, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr. Presenters included Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, the KPop Demon Hunter’s trio EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna (HUNTR/X), Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Livvy Dunne, Malin Ackerman, Meg Stalter, Nikki Glaser, and Paris Hilton.

The ceremony was particularly rich with special honors and heartfelt tributes. Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, marking her long-awaited first Moon Person trophy. She celebrated with a career-spanning medley of her hits. Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, delivering a high-energy performance of his megahits. Busta Rhymes was presented with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, also performing a medley of his career-defining tracks.

One of the most poignant moments of the night was the tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at age 76. Introduced by his son Jack Osbourne, the tribute featured Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt. YUNGBLUD opened with a frenzied performance of Osbourne’s 1980 solo debut single, “Crazy Train,” followed by Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” Steven Tyler and Joe Perry then joined him for “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The performers, who had been part of Osbourne’s final concert weeks prior to his death, passionately honored the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Lady Gaga emerged as the night's biggest winner, securing four awards, including Artist of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Direction for “Abracadabra” (co-directed with Bethany Vargas and Parris Goebel), and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” alongside Bruno Mars. These wins elevated her career VMA total to 22, placing her third on the all-time leaderboard behind Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Gaga’s performance included a high-octane, pre-taped segment from “The Mayhem Ball” featuring “Abracadbra” and the television debut of “The Dead Dance.”

Ariana Grande also had a triumphant night, taking home three Moon Person trophies: Video of the Year and Best Long-Form Video for “Brighter Days Ahead,” and Best Pop. Sabrina Carpenter, with eight nominations, matched Grande’s three wins, securing Pop Artist, Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet,” and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Carpenter’s performance of “Tears” was a highlight, concluding with her backup dancers holding signs advocating for queer and trans rights.

Other significant winners included ROSÉ and Bruno Mars for Song of the Year with “APT.,” and ROSÉ’s BLACKPINK bandmate LISA, who won Best K-pop for “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE. Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, and sombr won Best Alternative for “Back to Friends.” Coldplay took home Best Rock, Doechii won Best Hip-Hop, Mariah Carey secured Best R&B for “Type Dangerous,” Shakira won Best Latin, Tyla won Best Afrobeats, and Megan Moroney received the inaugural Best Country award for “Am I Okay?”. Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching (From F1® The Movie)” was crowned Song of the Summer. Notably, women thoroughly dominated the awards, winning 22 of the 30 categories.

The show's ending featured Conan Gray closing the ceremony with a memorable performance of his “Wishbone” track “Vodka Cranberry.” Gray adopted a Renaissance Faire aesthetic, delivering a powerful vocal performance and dramatic staging that captivated a wider audience. Similarly, Sombr made his VMA debut with a medley of “Back to Friends” and “12 to 12,” showcasing significant star power.

Despite the star power and memorable moments, the 2025 VMAs faced some critique regarding its programming balance. Some felt the show's initial two hours were overly saturated with lengthy medleys and acceptance speeches from legacy artists, potentially overshadowing the contemporary stars and rising hitmakers who represent the future of music. Critics argued that artists like Sabrina Carpenter, despite having the No. 1 album in the country, received minimal hype and a less prominent slot than deserved, suggesting a missed opportunity to fully engage with a younger audience and solidify the relevance of new talent.