The MTV VMAs took place on 7 September 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York and were hosted by LL Cool J. This marks his return as host for the second time. Nessa and Kevan Kenny hosted the pre-show, getting audiences ready for the main event. Other notable presenters include Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice and Paris Hilton.
MTV VMA Winners List in Full
Here is a rundown of the Top winners and Major Awards:
• Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga (from 12 nominations, winning four awards)
• Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
• Song of the Year: Rosé & Bruno Mars— APT
• Best New Artist: Alex Warren
• Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
• Best Album Sabrina Carpenter: Short n’ Sweet
• Push Performance of the Year: Katseye – Touch
• Best Hip-Hop & Choreography: Doechii – Anxiety
• Best Rock: Coldplay
• Best R&B: Mariah Carey– Type Dangerous
• Best Alternative: Sombr
• Best Group: BLACKPINK
• Best K-Pop: Lisa (with Doja Cat & Raye)
• Best Afrobeats: Tyla
• Best Country: Megan Moroney
• Song of the Summer & Best Editing: Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching
MTV VMA Performances and Honorees
The event featured standout performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, KATSEYE, Tate McRae, and a preset segment from Lady Gaga – who performed from her “Mayhem” tour stage.
Legendary icons were also celebrated throughout the night, Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, her first ever VMA, paired with a classic-hit medley and a charming acceptance. Ricky Martin was honored with an inaugural Latin Icon Award. And Busta Rhymes took home the first ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
The night was filled with celebrations and excitement as more awards were handed out, and iconic presenters and winners alike, filled the stage.
MTV VMA Fashion and Attendees
The red carpet was definitely a statement-making spectacle. Sabrina Carpenter was in a sheer red Valentino dress (plus a pink boa), Doja Cat in a dramatic Balmain look and Katseye delivering fierce coordinated black styles. Other icons and attendees included Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, The Weekend, Rosé, Ariana Grande, Drew Carey, LL Cool J, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson and many more.
Last night’s VMAs delivered soaring performances, heartfelt tributes, genre-defying winners, and elevated fashion. A dominant showing from Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rosé showcased a ceremony that celebrated both emerging talent and legendary legacy in a global music landscape.
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