The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards was a night of beautiful performances, emotional moments, and major wins, with the biggest stars in music taking center stage.

Lady Gaga emerged as one of the evening’s top winners, grabbing Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her hit duet Die With a Smile with Bruno Mars.

Ariana Grande also had a standout night, earning both Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for Brighter Days Ahead, a song that has dominated charts worldwide.

Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter continued her winning streak this year, walking away with Best Pop Artist and Best Visual Effects for her imaginative video Manchild.

Other notable wins included:

• Best New Artist – Alex Warren
• Song of Summer – Tate McRae
• Best Afrobeats – Tyla
• Best Latin – Shakira
• Best Country – Megan Morney
• Best K-Pop – Lisa, with Doja Cat and Raye
• Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography – Doechii
• Best Rock – Coldplay

One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Mariah Carey was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. It was her very first Moon Person, and she celebrated the milestone with a nostalgic medley of her greatest hits before debuting her brand-new single Sugar Sweet from her upcoming album Here for It All, which drops on September 26.

Remarkably, BLACKPINK’s Rosé became the first K-pop solo artist to win Song of the Year, for her collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars.

Busta Rhymes lit up the stage with his legendary energy, while Ricky Martin not only delivered a fiery performance but also received the Latin Icon Award. Fans were also treated to sets from Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga, who delivered powerful showcases of why they remain at the top of today’s pop scene.