The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena delivered headline moments as Ariana Grande captured Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead” while Lady Gaga Shined across multiple categories, including Artist of the Year. The ceremony balanced big-name wins with career tributes and standout performances that will be replayed for weeks.
Standout Performances
The show mixed new blood and legacy names. Mariah Carey earned the Video Vanguard Award and delivered a powerful medley—one of the evening’s emotional peaks—while prerecorded and live sets from top artists kept the energy high.
Performances by contemporary stars and surprise appearances helped the ceremony feel current without derailing the awards, offering memorable visuals that matched the winners’ narrative.
Big Winners
Ariana Grande weep was one of the evening’s defining stories: she won Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for “Brighter Days Ahead,” capping a high-profile night. Her acceptance moments and stage presence underscored the momentum behind her latest era.
Lady Gaga, who entered the night with the most nominations, left as one of the biggest winners — taking home Artist of the Year and several other Moon Persons. Lady Gaga Shine was literal and figurative: she dominated nomination tallies and turned several moments into headlines.
Red carpet & fashion
Ariana made several costume changes that dominated red-carpet coverage, including a signature polka-dot Fendi look and a dramatic stage gown. Fashion was part of the story, reinforcing how these awards double as a cultural moment.
Meanwhile, other nominees showed up in statement looks that echoed the show’s mix of glam and reinvention — a reminder the MTV Video Music Awards remain as much about image as they are about music.
Event at a Glance
Date & venue: Sept. 7, 2025 — UBS Arena, Elmont, NY.
Video of the Year: Ariana Grande — “Brighter Days Ahead.”
Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga.
Notable honors: Mariah Carey — Video Vanguard Award; Bruno Mars & Rosé among other winners.
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Key Highlights – MTV Video Music Awards
Ariana Wins Big — Scored Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for “Brighter Days Ahead,” confirming her comeback era’s dominance.
Gaga Shines Bright — Crowned Artist of the Year and secured multiple other honours, reinforcing her powerhouse status.
Mariah Carey Honored — Received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award and delivered a heartfelt medley of her greatest hits.
Show-Stopping Performances — From Ariana’s stage magic to surprise cameos and legacy tributes, the night was packed with memorable live moments.
Fashion Steals the Spotlight — Red carpet looks from Ariana, Gaga, and fellow artists set social media buzzing.
Diverse Winners’ Circle — Alongside Grande and Gaga, names like Bruno Mars and Rosé also carried home Moon Person trophies.
Cultural Relevance — The show balanced spectacle and substance, reflecting both music’s present stars and legendary contributors.
The Night Significance
The MTV Awards have long been a cultural thermometer; this year’s show underscored pop’s dual focus on artistry and spectacle. Ariana wins highlight her commercial and creative comeback, while Gaga Shines as a reminder of sustained artistry and industry clout.
