Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter Dominate 2025 MTV VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered an unforgettable night of music, spectacle, and emotional victories at the UBS Arena in New York. The ceremony, which celebrated the best in music videos and artistry from the past year, saw a handful of artists and their collaborators rise to the top, with Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter leading the pack.

Lady Gaga’s Reign: Artist of the Year and More

Pop icon Lady Gaga solidified her status as a music industry powerhouse, taking home the coveted Artist of the Year award. This major win was just one of several for Gaga, who also celebrated a significant victory for Best Collaboration with her “Die with a Smile” partner, Bruno Mars. Her visually stunning work was also recognized, as she secured awards for Best Direction and Best Art Direction for the video for “Abracadabra.”

Ariana Grande Takes Home Top Honor

In a tight race for Video of the Year, Ariana Grande’s “brighter days ahead” emerged victorious, claiming the night’s most prestigious honor. Grande’s win marked a major milestone in her career and highlighted her artistic evolution. She also took home the award for Best Pop and Best Long Form Video for the same project, showcasing the depth and creativity behind her work.

Sabrina Carpenter and the Rise of New Voices

Sabrina Carpenter had a standout night, earning the new category of Best Pop Artist. Her album, Short n’ Sweet, was also honored as Best Album, a testament to her growing influence and critical acclaim. Additionally, her video for “Manchild” won for Best Visual Effects.

The awards also celebrated a new generation of talent. Rising singer-songwriter Alex Warren was a notable winner, being crowned Best New Artist for his viral hit “Ordinary.” Meanwhile, K-pop sensation Rosé, alongside Bruno Mars, clinched the Song of the Year award for their collaboration “APT.”

Honoring Legends and Celebrating Diversity

The 2025 VMAs were not only about contemporary hits but also paid homage to music legends. Mariah Carey was honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her career-defining visual artistry. Hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and the Latin Icon Award was presented to Ricky Martin.

Other notable winners included Doechii for Best Hip-Hop, Shakira for Best Latin, Coldplay for Best Rock, and Mariah Carey, who also won Best R&B for “Type Dangerous.”

The evening’s diverse roster of winners showcased the broad spectrum of talent and creativity in the music industry today, reminding audiences of the power of visual storytelling and the enduring influence of music across all genres.