MTV Video Music Awards 2025 Winners: Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter Win Big | Complete List
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) lit up the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday night, delivering a star-studded evening filled with unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and historic wins. The ceremony celebrated the year’s top music videos and artists, with Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter emerging as the evening’s biggest winners.
Lady Gaga Shines Brightest of All
Lady Gaga was the undisputed queen of the night, walking away with four awards.
- She claimed the prestigious Artist of the Year award, cementing her influence on the music industry.
- Her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” won Best Collaboration.
- Her visually stunning music video for “Abracadabra” earned accolades in both Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.
Known for her dynamic presence, Gaga could not stay for the entire ceremony due to her tour schedule, yet her impact was unmistakable. Her wins reflected her continued dedication to innovation in music and visual storytelling, reminding fans why she remains one of the most iconic figures in contemporary pop culture.
Ariana Grande Returns to Glory
Ariana Grande had a triumphant night at the VMAs, taking home three awards.
- Her music video for “Brighter Days Ahead” won Video of the Year, a testament to her ability to blend emotional storytelling with striking visuals.
- The song also earned her Best Pop, solidifying her status as one of pop music’s leading voices.
In her acceptance speech, Grande focused on themes of resilience and healing, dedicating her awards to the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledging the role of mental health support in her journey. Her return to the VMAs stage was met with cheers and admiration, signaling a powerful comeback after a period of personal growth and artistic reinvention.
Sabrina Carpenter Marks a Major Milestone
Sabrina Carpenter also emerged as a big winner, securing three awards:
- Best Album for Short n’ Sweet
- Best Pop Artist
Carpenter’s performance during the ceremony was a standout moment, featuring a trans rights-themed production that resonated with the audience and showcased her commitment to inclusivity. The night marked a major milestone in Carpenter’s career, as she transitioned from rising star to a fully recognized force in pop music.
Other Key Winners
Several other artists were recognized for their achievements:
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – Song of the Year for “APT.”, marking ROSÉ as the first K-pop soloist to win this category.
- Alex Warren – Best New Artist, highlighting the growing influence of social media platforms in discovering new talent.
- Katseye – Push Performance of the Year, showcasing emerging talent in the competitive music industry.
Lifetime Honors and Tributes
The ceremony also honored legendary artists:
- Mariah Carey – Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her decades-long career.
- Ricky Martin – Latin Icon Award, for his contributions to Latin music.
- Busta Rhymes – Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his impact on hip-hop culture.
A special tribute was paid to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. Performances by Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt honored his legacy in rock music.
Memorable Performances
The night featured electrifying performances:
- Doja Cat – high-energy set that captivated fans.
- Tate McRae – performed “Just Keep Watching”, earning Song of the Summer.
- Sabrina Carpenter – trans rights-themed performance, both moving and visually striking.
- Lady Gaga – returned to the stage with a dynamic performance, reminding audiences why she remains a pop powerhouse.
Each performance brought unique energy, leaving viewers entertained and inspired.
Complete Winners List
- Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
- Best Pop: Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
- Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
- Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Song of the Year: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren
- Push Performance of the Year: Katseye
- Best Art Direction: Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Best Cinematography: Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – “Anxiety”
- Best R&B: The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
- Best Country: Megan Moroney – “Best Country”
- Best Group: BLACKPINK
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
This year’s VMAs highlighted the evolving landscape of the music industry:
- Female artists dominated major categories.
- Global acts made history.
- Social issues like mental health and trans rights were brought to the forefront.
The awards ceremony demonstrated that music can serve as entertainment and a platform for meaningful dialogue. Artists like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga not only entertained but also inspired, advocated, and uplifted marginalized communities.
