The MTV Video Music Awards returned to the UBS Arena with a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances on September 7,2025, as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Rosé emerged as the brightest stars of the evening. Hosted by LL Cool J, the ceremony was filled with emotional speeches, historic wins, and fashion moments that lit up the red carpet and stage alike.
Lady Gaga entered the VMAs as the most nominated artist of the year, securing an impressive twelve nods across major and technical categories. By the end of the night, she had added four Moon Person trophies to her collection, including the prestigious Artist of the Year award. She also claimed Best Collaboration for her soaring duet “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars, and her visually daring single “Abracadabra” earned her both Best Direction and Best Art Direction. Gaga’s pre-taped performance, filmed the night before at Madison Square Garden, was nothing short of spectacular. Combining dramatic choreography, disco-inspired visuals, and futuristic flair, she performed “Abracadabra” and her new single “The Dead Dance.” Dressed in avant-garde costumes that only she could command, Gaga reminded fans why she remains pop’s most daring visionary. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, she dedicated her Artist of the Year win to her fiancé Michael Polansky, calling him her “partner in all things” and acknowledging his creative input on her latest album Mayhem.
Ariana Grande also had an unforgettable night, balancing artistry, emotion, and fashion in equal measure. She walked away with three Moon Persons, including Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for her uplifting anthem “Brighter Days Ahead.” Her speech for Best Pop Video was candid, quirky, and moving as she thanked her father, her collaborators, her therapist, and in her own playful way, “gay people.” The pop powerhouse also turned heads with her style evolution throughout the evening, showcasing four distinct looks curated by her longtime collaborator Law Roach. From a dramatic Fendi ensemble to a sheer black Tamara Ralph gown, each outfit captured a different facet of Grande’s artistry. She even shared a sweet backstage moment with Rosé and Ice Spice, which quickly became a viral highlight of the night. Grande also presented the Video Vanguard Award to her idol Mariah Carey, visibly emotional during the handoff. While her wins and style were celebrated, the singer surprised fans by skipping all after-parties, choosing instead to dive back into work on her upcoming projects, including her film Focker In-Law and her much-anticipated Eternal Sunshine Tour slated for 2026.
For Rosé, the evening marked a career-defining moment. Dazzling in a butter-yellow sequin gown that caught every light in the arena, the BLACKPINK star made history by becoming the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year. Her hit “APT.,” a collaboration with Bruno Mars, not only resonated with global fans but also broke barriers for K-pop on one of the industry’s biggest stages. Rosé was nominated in eight categories, a remarkable feat that underscored her growing influence as a soloist and crossover artist. While she didn’t perform, her presence was commanding and her acceptance speech was filled with gratitude, emphasizing how much the recognition meant for both her and the broader K-pop community.
Beyond the headline victories of Gaga, Grande, and Rosé, the VMAs also honored music legends. Mariah Carey was presented with the Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her decades of visual innovation. Ricky Martin received the inaugural Latin Icon Award, a recognition of his trailblazing contributions to global pop. Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, highlighting his impact on hip-hop culture. Together, these tributes reminded viewers of the VMAs’ tradition of celebrating both the pioneers and the new generation of hitmakers.
The 2025 VMAs will be remembered not just for the awards themselves, but for the energy, diversity, and cultural significance the evening represented. Lady Gaga reaffirmed her reign as an unstoppable creative force. Ariana Grande showed that vulnerability and glamour can coexist powerfully. And Rosé, shimmering in sequins, carved her name into history with a groundbreaking achievement for K-pop. The night proved that music continues to transcend boundaries, bringing together icons, rising stars, and fans across the globe in celebration of artistry at its finest.
