Quick Read
- Lady Gaga wins big with four awards, including Artist of the Year.
- Rookie group KATSEYE shines with their first major international performance.
- Sabrina Carpenter’s performance advocates for trans rights, sparking discussions.
- An emotional tribute is paid to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
- The event garners over a billion views across platforms, highlighting its impact.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on September 8 at UBS Arena in New York, brought together the biggest names in music for a night filled with triumphs, tributes, and performances that left audiences worldwide buzzing. With a strong emphasis on female empowerment, the event celebrated artists who have pushed boundaries in the music video medium over the past year. From Lady Gaga’s stellar wins to the breakout success of KATSEYE, the VMAs proved once again why they remain a cultural touchstone for music fans globally.
Lady Gaga Dominates the Night
Lady Gaga emerged as the most celebrated artist of the night, taking home four awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year. Her victories also included Best Direction and Art Direction for her gothic-inspired music video “Abracadabra,” as well as Best Collaboration for “Die With A Smile” alongside Bruno Mars. Her acceptance speech was both heartfelt and reflective: “Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world.” Gaga’s dominance at the VMAs brings her career total to 22 “moon person” trophies, placing her third in the all-time rankings behind Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. MyJoyOnline reported that Gaga later thrilled fans by performing live at Madison Square Garden, further cementing her status as a global music icon.
New Stars Shine Bright: KATSEYE’s Breakthrough Moment
One of the most talked-about acts of the evening was HYBE’s rookie girl group KATSEYE, who delivered a high-energy performance of their hits “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” during the pre-show. Despite being newcomers, the group exuded confidence and charisma, earning them the MTV Push Performance of the Year award. Critics have already begun comparing KATSEYE to BLACKPINK, suggesting that the group is on a trajectory to achieve similar global dominance. SKJ Bollywood News highlighted the group’s multicultural appeal and sharp choreography, which captivated audiences and critics alike.
Tributes and Advocacy Take Center Stage
The VMAs were not just about celebrating musical achievements; they also spotlighted social issues and honored legends. Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of “Tears” featured drag queens and trans dancers, with signs advocating for trans rights. While some parts of her performance were controversially cut during the broadcast, her message resonated strongly with fans. Meanwhile, the night included an emotional tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and others performed a medley of Osbourne’s hits, celebrating the life and legacy of the rock icon. Rolling Stone India noted that the tribute was one of the most logistically challenging yet rewarding moments of the night.
Other Highlights and Controversies
The night also saw Ariana Grande winning Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead,” dedicating her award to her father and emphasizing the importance of healing and self-reflection. Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, delivering a medley of her hits and joking about the long wait for the honor. However, some fans criticized her performance for lacking energy, a sentiment she humorously addressed in her acceptance speech. Additionally, the show faced backlash for airing commercials from the Department of Corrections and ICE, which many viewers found jarring during a celebratory event.
Despite some controversies, the 2025 VMAs achieved significant cultural resonance, with over a billion views of its content across platforms, according to producer Van Toffler. As Rolling Stone reported, the event’s ability to balance established icons like Lady Gaga with emerging talents like KATSEYE showcased its unique appeal to diverse audiences.
The MTV VMAs 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered for its celebration of artistry, advocacy, and cultural impact, setting the stage for another year of groundbreaking music.