The 2025 Video Music Awards (VMA) were packed with multiple tributes, sweeps, and stunning appearances. The show moved to CBS for the first time this year, which boosted viewer count from 4.09 million last year to 5.5 million concurrent viewers, making it the most viewed VMA awards in six years. Hosted in New York’s UBS Arena by LL Cool J, the awards are meant to highlight the stunning music videos that encapsulate the meaning of their art.
Even on the red carpet, multiple stars showed out in their best outfits from the biggest brands and eye-catching designs. Lady Gaga was ready for a night of awards with her black velvet dress personally designed by Marc Jacobs. Another eye opening dress was worn by Sabrina Carpenter, who is fresh off of her A Man’s Best Friend roll out. She wore a red floral design created by Valentino. Valentino had a big fashion night with their head to toe designs being worn by Sombr and the Marias as well, both showing off the bright red color.
At the start of the show, Katseye performed their hit “Gnarly,” which led into Nessa presenting Best New Artist to Alex Warren and Song of the Summer to Tate McRae for her hit single, “Just Keep Watching.” Tate beat out massive stars for her first VMA award, such as Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Justin Bieber
”Especially with the other people she was going up against, I was surprised but happy that she won,” sophomore Chloe Holmquist said. McRae beat out massive stars such as Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Justin Bieber.
Following this were performances from Doja Cat and Kenny G, Tate McRae, and Sabrina Carpenter for the grand opening. Then the big stars like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars made waves with multiple submissions and wins. Gaga won Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration Song with Bruno Mars, along with multiple production awards. Bruno Mars took home Song of the Year for “Apt” with Rose, and Best Collaboration Song for “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga.
Continuing with the evening, we saw a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Ozborne, who passed away in July. Yungblud, Joe Perry and Nuno Bettencourt performed Ozzy’s greatest hits such as “Changes,” “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” while giving a heart pulling speech to dedicate their performance to their idol and dear friend.
Another award was given out in honor of Michael Jackson, called The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Medley, which is given to one artist who has a profound impact on hip-hop, pop culture and music video ideas. Mariah Carey received this award and performed a medley of some of her hit songs like “Sugar Sweet,” “Fantasy” and “Honey.” Following this award, Mariah came back on stage to receive the Best R&B award for her song “Type Dangerous.” She is now the ninth woman to receive this award in 10 years.
Other special awards given out include the Rock the Bells Visionary Award. This award is given out to someone who, over the years, has had a constant impact in sound and visual production. This ultimately ended up in Busta Rhymes arms. The last special award given out was the Latin Icon Award. The Latin Icon Award highlights Latin artists that have a profound impact on sound while also representing their Latin culture. It was given to Ricky Martin as he was the first Latin artist to have a No.1 song on the Billboard Hot 200 and the first Latin artist to receive multiple VMA awards in a single year.
Another artist who had a plentiful night was Arianna Grande. She received seven nominations and won three awards. Her newest album, eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead, pushed her to take home Video of the Year, Best Pop Album, and Best Long Form Video. Even though she just released Man’s Best Friend, Sabrina Carpenter was given the Best Pop Artist award for her 2024 album, Short n Sweet.
Moving from pop to hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar took over the rap scene in 2024 with his public feud with Canadian rapper, Drake. Lamar’s album, GNX, cemented himself over Drake in the public eye as it outsold Drake’s album by 273,000 units in its first week alone. Yet his time at the VMAs was short lived, having 10 nominations and only winning Best Cinematography for “Not Like Us.” This shows the steady decline in hip-hop appearances at the VMA Awards going from six different artists with five or more nominations in 2018 to now two artists receiving less than 15 this year.
The 2025 VMA Awards were a booming success for the show, the artists and for the next generation. With new albums coming out this year, it’s safe to say that the 2026 VMA Awards are going to be just as big as this year’s.
