NEW YORK — The MTV Video Music Awards began with Lady Gaga snagging the artist of the year award, hinting at a successful night ahead for the top nominee.

Gaga also has a performance lined up for the event and concluded her acceptance speech by mentioning she needed to head from the VMAs venue at UBS Arena to Madison Square Garden.

“Being an artist means striving to connect souls worldwide,” she expressed. “It’s a discipline that touches another’s heart, planting new dreams. As artists, we carry the responsibility to inspire joy, movement, and emotion.”

She dedicated the award to her fans and paid homage to her partner, Michael Polansky. “Creating with you has been a beautiful thing,” she said.

Hosted by LL Cool J, the VMAs started with a lively vibe. During his introduction, a video of Doja Cat channeling ’80s MTV icon Max Headroom humorously interrupted. This was smoothly followed by a Kenny G solo performance that kicked off the night’s music.

Doja Cat, who was seen casually chewing on her lipstick on the red carpet, pranced across the stage performing “Jealous Type” to raucous applause.

Heading into the show, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé were both on the brink of making history as the most awarded VMAs artist, each holding 30 wins. However, nominated only in the artist of the year category, Gaga’s victory leaves them in a tie for yet another year.

The late Ozzy Osbourne will be honored befittingly, as iconic rock figures take the stage to celebrate him. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith, British sensation YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt will join forces, performing a medley of Osbourne’s classic hits, illustrating his profound influence on generations of musicians.

Mariah Carey will receive the 2025 Video Vanguard Award. Previous recipients include Katy Perry, Shakira, Beyoncé and Madonna.

Busta Rhymes will receive the first ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award during the show, and Ricky Martin will be honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award. Both will perform.

Other performers will include Conan Gray, Tate McRae, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Alex Warren, J Balvin, Sabrina Carpenter and sombr.

The 2025 MTV VMAs will be broadcast by CBS for the first time. It will also be simulcast on MTV and available for streaming on Paramount+ in the United States.

AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed reporting from New York.

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