Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga shine at 2025 MTV VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday night with Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga emerging as the evening's biggest stars.

Grande's video for Brighter Days Ahead earned Video of the Year, the show's highest honor, helping her collect three trophies overall. Lady Gaga topped the night with four awards, including Artist of the Year. Accepting just two days after canceling a Miami concert due to a strained voice, Gaga told fans she had to leave early for her Madison Square Garden show—moments later, the VMAs cut to her live performance of Abracadabra and The Dead Dance.

Sabrina Carpenter also claimed three awards, including Album of the Year for Short n' Sweet. Other notable winners included Rosé and Bruno Mars, who took Song of the Year for APT, while KATSEYE won Push Performance of the Year with Touch. Gaga and Mars also scored Best Collaboration for Die With a Smile.

The show balanced nostalgia and modern flair, featuring veteran performances from Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin alongside younger acts like Doja Cat and Tate McRae. Despite multiple nominations, Kendrick Lamar left without a single win.

Unlike last year, this year's VMAs stayed clear of political statements.