The vma winners of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards brought unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and historic firsts to UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. From global superstars to breakthrough newcomers, this year’s winners highlighted the diverse talent shaping today’s music.
Lady Gaga was the night’s most celebrated artist, taking home Artist of the Year. She earned the most nominations of the night and proved once again why she remains one of the industry’s biggest forces. In true superstar fashion, Gaga accepted her award before leaving early to prepare for her Mayhem Ball concert at Madison Square Garden.
Major Highlights of the Night
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
- Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
- Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars – Apt.
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren
Ariana Grande scored the night’s top honor with Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead, an anthem that captured audiences worldwide. Rosé, paired with Bruno Mars, delivered one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony, dedicating her Song of the Year win to her younger self. Rising star Alex Warren claimed Best New Artist, cementing his place as a name to watch in the coming years.
Iconic Moments and Special Awards
Mariah Carey stole the spotlight with her performance of Type Dangerous, which also won Best R&B. She was additionally honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her decades-long impact on the industry.
Busta Rhymes received the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, a tribute to his lasting influence in hip-hop, while Ricky Martin accepted the Latin Icon Award, honoring his decades of groundbreaking contributions to global music.
Tate McRae lit up the stage and the charts, earning Song of the Summer for Just Keep Watching. Sabrina Carpenter captured the inaugural Best Pop Artist award, marking her continued rise as one of today’s top performers.
Genre Standouts Among VMA Winners
The vma winners represented every corner of the music spectrum. Kendrick Lamar earned dual victories with Best Hip-Hop and Best Direction for Not Like Us, while Rosé doubled up with a second trophy, this time in Best K-pop for Toxic Till the End.
Alternative music also had its moment as sombr secured Best Alternative with Back to Friends. These wins underscored how the VMAs continue to celebrate artistry across every genre, from pop and R&B to K-pop and Afrobeats.
At a Glance: Key VMA Winners
| Category | Winner(s) |
|---|---|
| Video of the Year | Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead |
| Artist of the Year | Lady Gaga |
| Song of the Year | Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt. |
| Best New Artist | Alex Warren |
| Best R&B | Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous |
| Vanguard Award | Mariah Carey |
| Rock the Bells Visionary | Busta Rhymes |
| Latin Icon Award | Ricky Martin |
| Song of the Summer | Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching |
| Best Alternative | sombr – Back to Friends |
| Best Pop Artist | Sabrina Carpenter |
| Best Hip-Hop & Direction | Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us |
| Best K-pop | Rosé – Toxic Till the End |
Why These Wins Matter
The 2025 MTV VMAs showcased not only established legends but also emerging stars ready to define the next decade of music. The blend of mainstream icons like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Mariah Carey with fresh names such as Alex Warren and sombr reflected the event’s balance of honoring history while embracing the future.
Each win carried significance. Rosé’s heartfelt speech highlighted the power of resilience and self-belief. Kendrick Lamar’s triumph reinforced his role as one of the most powerful voices in modern hip-hop. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey’s recognition as a video icon was a long-awaited moment of appreciation for her visual and musical legacy.
The vma winners of 2025 reminded fans why the MTV Video Music Awards remain one of music’s most exciting nights of the year. With emotional speeches, unforgettable performances, and historic milestones, this year’s ceremony will be remembered as one that honored both the past and the future of music.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s VMAs? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep the conversation going.