The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at Long Island’s UBS Arena, turned into a celebration of women in music, with Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter each taking home two trophies. The night also honoured Mariah Carey, who received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, cementing her legacy as one of pop’s most enduring icons.
Lady Gaga, the evening’s most-nominated artist with 12 nods, claimed Artist of the Year, beating Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Beyoncé, none of whom attended. Accepting her award in a baroque black gown, Gaga dedicated it to her fans and partner Michael Polansky before dashing off to her Mayhem Tour finale at Madison Square Garden.
“I hope as you navigate through the mayhem of daily life, you are reminded of the importance of the art of your life,” Gaga told the crowd.
Ariana Grande secured Best Pop Video and the coveted Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead, which she described as a healing journey. Sabrina Carpenter shone with Album of the Year (Short n’ Sweet) and *Best Pop Artist.
Bruno Mars also made his mark, winning Best Collaboration with Gaga for Die With A Smile, and Song of the Year alongside Blackpink’s Rosé for Apt. Rosé’s emotional acceptance speech highlighted her teenage dreams of recognition.
Performances underscored the night’s focus on women and inclusivity. Carpenter delivered a retro-themed set of Tears alongside drag and ballroom icons, while Doja Cat and Tate McRae brought high-energy showcases. The show also spotlighted global acts, including Colombian star J Balvin, French DJ Snake, and multinational girl group Katseye, who won Push Performance of the Year.
Two inaugural lifetime honours were introduced: Latin Icon Award, presented to Ricky Martin, who performed a medley of classics, and the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, given to hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes.
The evening also paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, with Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry performing Black Sabbath and solo classics in his memory.
Mariah Carey, closing the night with humour and grace, joked about finally receiving her first VMA. “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” she quipped, before reflecting on the timeless power of music videos.
Despite a relatively muted atmosphere and fewer star appearances, the 2025 VMAs highlighted the dominance of female artists and legacy performers, proving that the show’s cultural influence remains strong.
Source – My News Ghana
