Ariana Grande & Lady Gaga Shine at 2025 MTV VMAs

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This annual event celebrates the most popular music videos, artists, and performances from around the world. The night was filled with music, glamour, and unforgettable moments that music fans will remember for years.

This year’s VMAs were notable for the remarkable wins of Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, both of whom were recognized for their incredible contributions to music. The show also featured a variety of live performances, award presentations, and tributes to music legends.

• Ariana Grande: The Star of the Night
• Ariana Grande emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night. She won two major awards:
• Video of the Year for her music video “Brighter Days Ahead”.
• Best Pop for the same song.

In her acceptance speech, Ariana shared her personal journey with her fans. She said that music and art had always been a safe space for her since childhood. She expressed gratitude to her father,

who made his acting debut in her music video. Ariana called him “the best scene partner, and dad, in the world.” Her speech was heartfelt and touched many in the audience, showing her appreciation for her family and fans who supported her throughout her career.

Ariana also made the night memorable with her fashion choices, changing outfits multiple times during the show. She started in a Fendi polka-dot dress, which was playful and elegant, showing her signature style and personality. Later, she added more dramatic looks to match different performances and appearances, making her one of the most stylish and talked-about artists of the evening.

Lady Gaga: Artist of the Year

Lady Gaga received the prestigious Artist of the Year award, beating other nominees such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Gaga, who is currently touring in support of her album “Mayhem”, accepted the award wearing a dramatic black-and-purple ruffled gown with oversized sleeves. The outfit drew attention for its elegance and theatrical flair, perfectly representing Lady Gaga’s artistic style.

During her speech, Gaga expressed deep gratitude to her fans. She said, “I cannot begin to tell you what this means to be rewarded for being an artist, being rewarded for something that is already so rewarding.” Her win was significant because it prevented Beyoncé and Taylor Swift from breaking the record for the most VMA wins in history, as both artists currently have 30 awards each.

Lady Gaga’s recognition as Artist of the Year reflects her influence in the music industry and her ability to continuously innovate and inspire fans across the globe.

Other Major Winners

The 2025 VMAs celebrated a range of artists across multiple categories. Some of the other major winners included:

Best Album: “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter. Sabrina expressed her joy, saying, “I’m just the luckiest girl in the world,” acknowledging the hard work that went into creating her album.

Song of the Year: “APT.” by Bruno Mars and K-pop star Rose. Rose dedicated her award to her 16-year-old self, encouraging young people to embrace themselves and work hard toward their dreams.

Best Collaboration: “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. This award highlighted the power of teamwork and creativity in music.

Best New Artist: Alex Warren, a folk-pop singer who captured the attention of fans with his unique style and talent.

These awards celebrated a wide variety of music genres and recognized both established artists and rising stars, demonstrating the diversity and richness of the global music industry.

Memorable Performances

The VMAs are not just about awards; they are also known for spectacular live performances. This year featured a mix of tributes, collaborations, and solo acts that thrilled the audience.

Yungblud performed a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, singing “Crazy Train”. The performance was energetic and honored the legacy of one of rock music’s most iconic figures.

Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined the tribute, performing “Mama, I’m Coming Home” alongside Yungblud. The audience waved their hands and sang along, creating a sense of unity and nostalgia.

Mariah Carey received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contributions to music videos. In her speech, Carey described music videos as “mini movies visualizing the sheer fantasy of it all,” highlighting how videos allow artists to tell stories and connect with fans in unique ways.

These performances added excitement and entertainment to the awards ceremony, showcasing the talent, creativity, and passion of musicians from different generations.

Fashion Highlights

The MTV VMAs have always been known for bold fashion statements, and 2025 was no exception. Artists embraced a variety of styles, from glamorous gowns to edgy, avant-garde outfits.

Ariana Grande’s multiple outfit changes made her one of the night’s most fashionable stars. Her playful polka-dot dress and subsequent dramatic looks highlighted her personality and sense of style.

• Lady Gaga’s ruffled gown with oversized sleeves made a powerful statement on the red carpet, combining fashion with artistry.
• Other artists also used their attire to express themselves, making the VMAs not only a music event but also a fashion showcase.
• Fashion at the VMAs continues to influence trends, inspire fans, and create memorable moments for the media and social platforms.

The Role of MTV VMAs

Since their inception in 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards have been a celebration of music videos and popular culture. The VMAs are known for creating iconic moments, such as Madonna and Britney Spears’ onstage kiss and Lady Gaga’s famous raw meat dress.

The 2025 VMAs continued this tradition, combining music, fashion, and entertainment to honor creativity and innovation in the music industry. The show also serves as a platform for artists to connect with fans, make statements, and showcase their artistry in a highly visual and impactful way.

Cultural Impact

The awards have a lasting impact on the music and entertainment industry. Winning a VMA can boost an artist’s career, increase streaming numbers, and solidify their influence in the industry. The 2025 awards also highlighted the global nature of music today, with international artists like Rose from K-pop being recognized alongside Western stars.

Moreover, the VMAs serve as a reflection of current trends in music, fashion, and culture. From award categories to performances, the event captures the creativity, challenges, and achievements of artists, making it a barometer for popular culture.

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were a celebration of talent, creativity, and artistry. Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga were the standout winners, receiving top honors for their contributions to music and visual storytelling.

Ariana Grande’s wins for Video of the Year and Best Pop celebrated her musical excellence and emotional connection with her fans. Lady Gaga’s recognition as Artist of the Year highlighted her ongoing impact and innovation in the music industry.

The show also honored other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, Rose, and Alex Warren, while delivering unforgettable performances and tributes to legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Mariah Carey.

Fashion, live performances, and heartfelt speeches combined to make the VMAs a memorable event. As always, the awards reinforced the importance of music videos as a form of art and a way for artists to connect with audiences worldwide.

Overall, the 2025 MTV VMAs showcased the best of contemporary music, honoring both established stars and emerging talent, and demonstrated the continued relevance of this iconic event in the global music scene.

MTV Video Music Awards 2025