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Broadcast live from New York’s UBS Arena on September 7, the MTV VMAs once again delivered a night of music, performance, and spectacle. 

Notably for the first time in its history, the VMAs was aired live on CBS while simultaneously streaming on Paramount+ and MTV which helped to mark a new era for the show in terms of reach and accessibility. 

Viewership seemed to reflect that new era as the 2025 broadcast drew 5.5 million viewers which is the highest in six years and a 42% increase over last year’s numbers. 

The night’s standout was Lady Gaga, who led all artists with twelve nominations and secured four wins, the most of any performer this year. 

Ariana Grande took home the coveted Video of the Year award for “Brighter Days Ahead,” meanwhile, Mariah Carey received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, an honor that celebrated her decades of groundbreaking contributions to music and performance.

Special recognition extended beyond mainstream categories. Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award for his impact on hip-hop culture, while Ricky Martin was celebrated with the Latin Icon Award.

This year’s ceremony also marked the introduction of two new fan-voted categories: Best Country Artist and Best Pop Artist. 

Their addition reflected the changing landscape of music, where genre lines continue to blur and audience voices play a central role in shaping recognition.

Performances played a central role in shaping the night’s atmosphere as they highlighted both the diversity of genres and the unifying power of music.

Lady Gaga delivered an incredible set that combined her signature spunk with innovative visuals, while Ariana Grande captivated audiences with a heartfelt performance of her now award-winning track. 

Other highlights included energetic showcases from Ice Spice and Dua Lipa, each representing the continued rise of new artists and the blending of genres that now define popular music. 

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards ultimately stood as more than a highlight reel of winners and performances. 

This was truly a reflection of music’s power to evolve, to honor its legends, and to uplift new voices, all while uniting audiences in celebration of sound, culture, and connection.

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