Takeaways
- Lady Gaga dominated the 2025 MTV VMAs with four wins, including Artist of the Year and Best Direction.
- Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award and delivered a nostalgic career-spanning medley.
- Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter were among the other top winners.
- The night highlighted both legacy icons and today’s chart-topping innovators.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were a dazzling celebration of artistry, legacy, and cultural impact. Held on September 7 at Long Island’s UBS Arena and broadcast for the first time on CBS, the night brought unforgettable performances and historic wins.
Lady Gaga Steals the Spotlight
The biggest winner of the night was Lady Gaga, who secured four awards from her record-setting 12 nominations. She claimed Artist of the Year, Best Direction for her video “Abracadabra,” and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars.
Her pre-taped performances of “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance” were standout moments—showcasing her signature mix of bold visuals, theatrical storytelling, and pop innovation.
Mariah Carey’s Triumphant Return
The most emotional moment came when Mariah Carey was honored with the Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her monumental impact on pop and R&B.
She marked her first VMA performance in 20 years with a show-stopping medley of hits including “Fantasy,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “Sugar Sweet,” “It’s Like That,” and “We Belong Together.”
To cap off her historic night, Carey earned her first-ever VMA win—taking home Best R&B for “Type Dangerous.”
More Major Winners
Ariana Grande claimed three awards for her short film “Brighter Days Ahead”: Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Long Form Video.
Sabrina Carpenter also took home three trophies—Best Pop Artist, Best Album (Short N’ Sweet), and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Her performance of “Tears” stood out for its powerful message of inclusion, featuring drag queens and a celebration of trans solidarity.
Other winners included:
- Kendrick Lamar – Best Cinematography for “Not Like Us”
- Billie Eilish – Video for Good for “Guess”
- Busta Rhymes – Rock the Bells Visionary Award
- Ricky Martin – Latin Icon Award
Why It Matters to Entertainment Professionals
- Creative Risk Pays Off: Gaga’s wins highlight the power of bold visuals and collaboration.
- Longevity Matters: Carey’s recognition proves that legacy artists can remain relevant with strong storytelling.
- Visual Storytelling Leads the Way: Grande and Carpenter show how video and performance artistry continue to drive cultural conversations.
For actors, musicians, and filmmakers, the 2025 VMAs reinforce one message: the industry rewards those who innovate, inspire, and stay authentic.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 VMAs were more than an awards show—they were a reminder of the evolving entertainment landscape. From Lady Gaga’s creative dominance to Mariah Carey’s legacy celebration, the night honored both innovation and tradition, inspiring professionals across the entertainment industry to craft their own unforgettable moments.
