On the evening of 7/9, the event took place at the UBS Arena in New York, hosted by rapper LL Cool. This year, the most prestigious award went to "brighter days ahead" from Grande's album "Eternal Sunshine," released in March. The work draws inspiration from the romantic science fiction film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004).
The music video also won Best Long Form Video and Best Pop Song, giving Grande three wins out of seven nominations. She now has a total of 13 Moonman statuettes (the VMA trophy shaped like an astronaut on the moon).
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Ariana Grande wins the Moonman for "Video of the Year" at the 2025 VMAs. Photo: MTV |
Ariana Grande wins the Moonman for "Video of the Year" at the 2025 VMAs. Photo: MTV
On stage, the 32-year-old singer said she has viewed art as a "safe space" since childhood and thanked her fans for always supporting her efforts. "This project is about trying to heal from many kinds of trauma. If you are on that journey, please keep going. I promise brighter days are ahead," she said in her acceptance speech.
Born in 1993, Grande is an American singer and actress. She began her career on Broadway, later appearing in television series. In 2013, she released her debut album "Yours Truly." In 2016, she was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She has also acted in films such as "Victorious" (2010), "Don't Look Up" (2021), and "Wicked" (2024).
Excerpt from Ariana Grande's short film-style music video "brighter days ahead." The work has a running time of over 25 minutes. Video: YouTube/ Ariana Grande
The Artist of the Year title went to 39-year-old Lady Gaga. She had a successful year with her album "Mayhem," released in March, leading the award season with 12 nominations. At the ceremony, the singer gave a moving speech about an artist's responsibility and her love for her fans.
She thanked her Little Monsters (the name of Lady Gaga's fan community) for their unwavering support and acknowledged her boyfriend, businessman Michael Polansky, for being with her every step of the way. Taylor Swift received this honor last year.
Lady Gaga speaks about the role of an artist in her Artist of the Year acceptance speech. Video: Hollywood Reporter
Best Album went to Sabrina Carpenter for "Short n' Sweet." She also won Best Pop Artist. The 26-year-old is currently a prominent figure in the global music scene, known for hits like "Espresso" and "Please Please Please." At the awards ceremony, she impressed the audience with a performance of her new song, "Tears," under simulated rain, a striking stage effect. During the performance, she and her dancers incorporated messages supporting transgender rights.
Other notable wins included Song of the Year – "APT." (Rose, Bruno Mars), Best Collaboration – "Die With A Smile" (Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars), and Best Kpop Song – "Born Again" by Lisa featuring Doja Cat and Raye. Lisa did not attend but sent a thank-you video. Other nominated artists absent from the event included Taylor Swift and Beyonce.
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Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande backstage at the 2025 VMAs. Photo: MTV |
Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande backstage at the 2025 VMAs. Photo: MTV
In addition to the main awards, the ceremony presented the Video Vanguard Award, honoring an artist with significant contributions and influence on the music industry. This year, 56-year-old Mariah Carey received the award and delivered several performances. The event marked the singer's return to the VMAs stage after 20 years and her first Moonman win. Last year, the award went to Katy Perry.
Grande presented the award to Carey. Carey also won Best R&B Song for "Type Dangerous." In her acceptance speech, the "Queen of Christmas" said that music videos have always been meaningful to her, sometimes serving as "an excuse to create drama and try things I would never do in real life." After 35 years in the industry, she has learned one lesson: "Music evolves, videos evolve, but only joy is eternal."
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) first took place in 1984, founded by MTV. In 2024, the awards show garnered 66 million interactions, a record high in VMAs history. This year, the organizers added two new categories: Best Country Artist and Best Pop Artist. Taylor Swift and Beyonce currently hold the record for most wins, each with 30 awards.
Some of the 2025 VMAs winners:
(Winners' names are in bold)
1. Video of the Year:
Ariana Grande - brighter days ahead
Billie Eilish - Birds of a Feather
Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars - Die With a Smile
Rose and Bruno Mars - APT.
Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti - Timeless
2. Artist of the Year:
Bad Bunny
Beyonce
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
3. Song of the Year:
Alex Warren - Ordinary
Billie Eilish - Birds of a Feather
Doechii - Anxiety
Ed Sheeran - Sapphire
Gracie Abrams - I Love You, I'm Sorry
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars - Die With a Smile
Lorde - What Was That
Rose and Bruno Mars - APT.
Tate McRae - Sports Car
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti - Timeless
4. Best New Artist:
Alex Warren
Ella Langley
Gigi Perez
Lola Young
sombr
The Marias
5. Best Collaboration:
Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs - Backup Plan
Kendrick Lamar and SZA - luther
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars - Die With a Smile
Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton - Pour Me a Drink
Rose and Bruno Mars - APT.
Selena Gomez, benny blanco - Sunset Blvd
6. Best Album:
Bad Bunny - DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS
Kendrick Lamar - GNX
Lady Gaga - Mayhem
Morgan Wallen - I’m the Problem
Sabrina Carpenter - Short n' Sweet
The Weeknd - Hurry Up Tomorrow
Phuong Thao (USA Today, Hollywood Reporter)
