The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena with history-making moments and genre-blending triumphs.
Hosted by LL Cool J, the live broadcast on CBS marked a milestone, blending legacy, diversity, and breakout performances under one roof. Here’s every headliner who walked away with a coveted Moon Person.
Highlights from the Night
Lady Gaga emerged as the show’s standout, winning Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” (with Bruno Mars), leading the night with four trophies.
Ariana Grande secured the top visual honor, earning both Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for “Brighter Days Ahead.”
Rosé (BLACKPINK) made K-pop history as the first soloist to win Song of the Year for “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars.
Mariah Carey celebrated her inaugural VMA win with the Video Vanguard Award, receiving the long-overdue honor of her career.
In genre-specific wins, rising stars and veterans were honored:
Alex Warren—Best New Artist
Tate McRae—Song of the Summer for “Just Keep Watching”
Sombr—Best Alternative for “Back to Friends”
Lisa (feat. Doja Cat & Raye)—Best K-pop for “Born Again”
Tyla—Best Afrobeats for “Push 2 Start”
Megan Moroney—Best Country for “Am I Okay?”
The event also honored Ricky Martin with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, and Busta Rhymes claimed the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
In addition, Mariah Carey’s “Type Dangerous” won Best R&B Video, and Sabrina Carpenter was named Best Pop Artist—also taking home Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet and Best Visual Effects.
Full Winner Rundown
| 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 |
| Song of the Summer | Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching” |
| Best R&B Video | Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous” |
| Best Alternative | Sombr – “Back to Friends” |
| Best K-Pop | Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – “Born Again” |
| Best Afrobeats | Tyla – “Push 2 Start” |
| Best Country | Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?” |
| Video Vanguard Award | Mariah Carey |
| Latin Icon Award | Ricky Martin |
| Rock the Bells Visionary | Busta Rhymes |
| Best Collaboration | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile” |
| Best Pop Artist | Sabrina Carpenter |
| Album of the Year | Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet |
| Best Visual Effects | Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild” |
