The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off in fantastic form as Lady Gaga took home the first Moon Person of the night.

The 39-year-old artist achieved a significant victory by surpassing megastar Taylor Swift in the coveted Artist of the Year category at the star-studded awards ceremony on Sunday night.

Besides Taylor, she outdid an impressive array of music’s top names including Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd.

The Mayhem artist opened up about the significance of earning the award during her acceptance speech, sharing what being an artist means to her.

She expressed: ‘I contemplated what it means to be acknowledged as an artist, to be rewarded for something that is inherently so fulfilling. Being an artist is an endeavor to connect the souls of people worldwide.

‘Being an artist involves discipline, a craft meant to reach into someone’s heart, planting roots and reminding them to dream. It’s a responsibility to bring a smile to the audience’s faces. Dance, cry, release in any moment. It’s a way of fostering understanding and celebrating community.

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off in fantastic form as Lady Gaga took home the first Moon Person of the night

Gaga also stressed the importance of art in everyone’s life and reminded all of her fans to count on themselves and their skills. 

She went on to thank her fans known as the ‘Little Monsters’ before thanking her fiance Michael Polansky.

Gaga concluded her speech: ‘I dedicate this award to the audience. You truly deserve a stage to shine on, and I give you all my applause.

‘Thank you, little monsters, my fans. For always supporting me and always supporting the monster in me. A partner in all things, Michael. Creating this year with you was a beautiful, beautiful dream. And you have been my partner every step of the way. 

‘I dedicate this to you too, my love. I wish I could stay and enjoy all these performances but I have to go back to Madison Square Garden. Thank you.’

Gaga also earned Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for their smash hit Die With A Smile.

The dynamic duo earned the honor over: Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs – Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video), Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther, Post Malone Featuring Blake Shelton – Pour Me a Drink, and Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt, and Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Sunset Blvd.

As Gaga was performing her Mayhem Tour date at Madison Sqaure Garden, she was unable to accept the award in person despite previously being at the show.

The 39- year-old performer earned the major win as they upset megastar Taylor Swift in the coveted Artist of the Year category at the star-studded award show on Sunday night

. In addition to Taylor, she triumphed over a very impressive list of music’s biggest stars including: Bad Bunny , Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar , Morgan Wallen , and The Weeknd 

The Mayhem artist got candid about what it meant to her to earn the award during her acceptance speech as she candidly talked about what being an artist means to her

Gaga also stressed the importance of art in everyone’s life and reminded all of her fans to count on themselves and their skills

She went on to thank her fans known as the ‘Little Monsters’ before thanking her fiance Michael Polansky

She was presented the award by rock legend Lenny Kravitz

Ariana Grande was one of the biggest winners of the night as she took home Best Pop for Brighter Days Ahead.

The 32-year-old hitmaker triumphed over Alex Warren – Ordinary, Ed Sheeran – Sapphire, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt., and Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild.

She was emotional during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘Thank you so much. Oh, my god. This is so kind. Thank you so much. I was so nervous. I have to start by saying thank you so much to my fans. I’m going to cry.

‘I think I broke this. I think I broke it. I have to say thank you first and foremost my fans. I love you with every fiber of my being.’

Ariana made sure to acknowledge the entire team behind her music video as she named several members of the cast and crew which no one else did the entire night.

She concluded her speech by saying: ‘I love making this record with you more than anything in the entire world. It was life-changing, thank you for championing me as a songwriter and producer. I love you so much. Thank you to my therapist. And gay people, I love you.’

Sabrina Carpenter triumphed over Gaga in the Best Album category for Short N Sweet.

The 26-year-old hitmaker’s field included Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Kendrick Lamar – GNX, Lady Gaga – Mayhem, Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem, and The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow.

Ariana Grande was one of the biggest winners of the night as she took home Best Pop for Brighter Days Ahead

The 32-year-old hitmaker triumphed over Alex Warren – Ordinary, Ed Sheeran – Sapphire, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt., and Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

She was emotional during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘Thank you so much. Oh, my god. This is so kind. Thank you so much. I was so nervous. I have to start by saying thank you so much to my fans. I’m going to cry’

Ariana made sure to acknowledge the entire team behind her music video as she named several members of the cast and crew which no one else did the entire night

Sabrina Carpenter triumphed over Gaga in the Best Album category for Short N Sweet

The 26-year-old hitmaker’s field included Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Kendrick Lamar – GNX, Lady Gaga – Mayhem, Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem, and The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Sabrina began her acceptance speech by thanking her fans as she said: ‘Hello. Oh, my goodness. There’s so many people here. Well, thank you. Thank you, VMAs, for this. This is, this is my second moon man, which is so crazy.’

She concluded: ‘I really don’t take for granted when you guys take the time out of your lives to listen to album. And if I’m lucky enough that that is my album, I am so grateful whether that be Short N Sweet or Man’s Best Friend my new album or one of my 29 before that. I’m just the luckiest girl in the world’

Sabrina began her acceptance speech by thanking her fans as she said: ‘Hello. Oh, my goodness. There’s so many people here. Well, thank you. Thank you, VMAs, for this. This is, this is my second moon man, which is so crazy. 

‘I really don’t take for granted when you guys take the time out of your lives to listen to album. And if I’m lucky enough that that is my album, I am so grateful whether that be Short N Sweet or Man’s Best Friend my new album or one of my 29 before that. I’m just the luckiest girl in the world’

Mariah Carey was honored with one of the most coveted awards as she was presented the Video Vanguard Award by Ariana Grande.

Before that she performed a medley of some of her biggest hits including Fantasy, Heartbreaker, Obsessed, and We Belong Together.

The 56-year-old singer praised Ariana, 32, during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘ Oh, my god, thank you, Ari! This moon man is very heavy. I’ve got it. She’s so little. You’re the cutest. I love you.

‘I’m grateful for you and beyond proud of everything you’ve achieved, girl. Like, what? Thank you so much, mtv, for giving me the vanguard award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for? I’m kidding. I love you. Love you so much.’

She went on to talk about the importance of music videos in her career and thanked MTV for airing them before promoting her upcoming sixteenth studio album Here For It All.

Mariah concluded: ‘I have learned music evolves, video evolves. But the fun is eternal. Thank you, MTV for playing my videos. 

‘And to my fans, I love you so much. By the way, my new album is out in two weeks! September 26.’

Ricky Martin was honored with the first ever Latin Icon Award as he performed a medley of his hits including Livin La Vida Loca and The Cup Of Life.

The 53-year-old singer was presented the honor by Jessica Simpson as he sweetly gave a sweet dedication to his four children: twins Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia and son Renn.

He said:  ‘I wanted to dedicate this award to my kids. I want to dedicate this award to my kids. Everything I do I do it with you in my mind and my heart.’

Song of the Year was given to Rosé and  Bruno Mars  for their hit track Apt.

Mariah Carey was honored with one of the most coveted awards as she was presented the Video Vanguard Award by Ariana Grande

Before that she performed a medley of some of her biggest hits including Fantasy, Heartbreaker, Obsessed, and We Belong Together

The 56-year-old singer praised Ariana, 32, during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘ Oh, my god, thank you, Ari! This moon man is very heavy. I’ve got it. She’s so little. You’re the cutest. I love you’

She went on to talk about the importance of music videos in her career and thanked MTV for airing them before promoting her upcoming sixteenth studio album Here For It All

They beat out an impressive field including: Alex Warren – Ordinary, Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather, Doechii – Anxiety, Ed Sheeran – Sapphire, Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Lorde – What Was That, Tate McRae – Sports Car, and The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless.

The 28-year-old New Zealand-South Korean singer-songwriter Rosé was emotional as she teared up while accepting the honor as Bruno was not in attendance.

She said: ‘Someone asked me the other day what my fear in life was and I was quite shocked at my own response. I had no idea how deeply personal this journey has been for me. 

‘I told them I feared that somewhere along the way, this journey of pursuing my dreams I might hit a wall and possibly disappoint my 16-year-old self who grew up always and oddball among society that wished some day she too could be herself and equally pursue her dreams just as well as anyone else I saw on television. 12 years later, I dedicate this award to my 16-year-old self who dreamed.’

Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock The Bells Visionary Award after performing a medley of his hits including Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See and Break Ya Neck.

The 53-year-old rap icon made sure to acknowledge former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis who died at the age of 52 from breast cancer back in June.

Busta sweetly said: ‘I want to thank and I think we all need to acknowledge the incredible woman — that loved us when we came to mtv during the ’90s. An incredible woman that loved me and she loved us, she loved the culture. She lifted us up. I love her. Very much. I miss her very much. 

Ricky Martin was honored with the first ever Latin Icon Award as he performed a medley of his hits including Livin La Vida Loca and The Cup Of Life

The 53-year-old singer was presented the honor by Jessica Simpson

He sweetly gave a sweet dedication to his four children: twins Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia and son Renn

He said: ‘I wanted to dedicate this award to my kids. I want to dedicate this award to my kids. Everything I do I do it with you in my mind and my heart’

Song of the Year was given to Rosé and Bruno Mars for their hit track Apt

They beat out an impressive field including: Alex Warren – Ordinary, Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather, Doechii – Anxiety, Ed Sheeran – Sapphire, Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile, Lorde – What Was That, Tate McRae – Sports Car, and The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless

The 28-year-old New Zealand-South Korean singer-songwriter Rosé was emotional as she teared up while accepting the honor as Bruno was not in attendance

‘The late, great, incredible royal empress Ananda Lewis. Thank you all so much. The blessings don’t stop, so we don’t stop, baby.’

MTV Push Performance of the Year was earned by up-and-coming girl group Katseye.

They beat out Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song, Damiano David – Next Summer, Dasha – Bye Bye Bye, Gigi Perez – Sailor Song, Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani, Lay Bankz – Graveyard, Leon Thomas – Yes It Is, Livingston – Shadow, and Mark Ambor – Belong Together, Role Model – Sally, When the Wine Runs Out, and Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy).

The Los Angeles based group comprised of Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae who represent Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States were emotional as they accepted the honor.

Sophia Laforteza said during their acceptance speech: ‘First of all, to our icons, all over the world. This means the world to us. So thank you so much. We are so grateful to Devon records. Thank you our chairman for being our visionary leader. For championing us and thank you to our icons. We are here because of you. We love you so much. Thank you for believing in us.’

The night kicked off with host LL Cool J talking about the magnitude of the event as they are live and airing on national channel CBS coast-to-coast for the very first time.

He was then interrupted by Doja Cat who performed a new song with iconic saxophonist Kenny G.

Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock The Bells Visionary Award after performing a medley of his hits including Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See and Break Ya Neck

The 53-year-old rap icon made sure to acknowledge former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis

Ananda Lewis died at the age of 52 on Wednesday, June 11 after losing her nearly seven-year battle with breast cancer; the star seen in 2019

Busta sweetly said: ‘I want to thank and I think we all need to acknowledge the incredible woman — that loved us when we came to mtv during the ’90s. An incredible woman that loved me and she loved us, she loved the culture. She lifted us up. I love her. Very much. I miss her very much’

MTV Push Performance of the Year was earned by up-and-coming girl group Katseye

They beat out Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song, Damiano David – Next Summer, Dasha – Bye Bye Bye, Gigi Perez – Sailor Song, Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani, Lay Bankz – Graveyard, Leon Thomas – Yes It Is, Livingston – Shadow, and Mark Ambor – Belong Together, Role Model – Sally, When the Wine Runs Out, and Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)

The biggest night for the MTV networks are being held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

No doubt all eyes will be on Lady Gaga as she is making her long-awaited return to the award show after a five-year absence.

The 39-year-old music superstar is up for the most awards of the night as she was nominated for 12 including top honor Video Of The Year for her duet with Bruno Mars titled Dying With A Smile.

Gaga already has 18 VMA wins under her belt and her fans are anticipating her to add even more accolades this year.

This year also marks the third time that Gaga led MTV’s list of VMA nominees.

She previously topped the list with 13 nods in 2010 and again in 2020 tying for first with nine total nominations.

The Bad Romance hitmaker is followed by her collaborator Bruno Mars who has 11 nominations and Kendrick Lamar has the third most nominations with ten. 

Taylor Swift did not release a single or album in the last year so she is only up for one award in the Artist Of The Year category.

Last week, Gaga – born  Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta – announced that she would also be returning to the stage for a performance.

No doubt all eyes will be on Lady Gaga as she is making her long-awaited return to the award show after a five-year absence 

The last time Gaga performed at the VMAs, she took the stage with Ariana Grande to perform their chart-topping dance-pop collaboration, Rain On Me, in 2020

Sabrina Carpenter is also set to perform at the event as she will compete against Gaga for top honor Video of the Year for Manchild

She will be joining the highly anticipated lineup including Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Tate McRae and J Balvin among many more. 

The last time Gaga performed at the VMAs, she took the stage with Ariana Grande to perform their chart-topping dance-pop collaboration, Rain On Me, in 2020. 

Presenters for the event include the likes of Ciara, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton, Livvy Dunne, and Ice Spice. 

Rapper and actor LL Cool J is host of the event which will air for the first time on major network CBS as it will also stream on the premium tier of Paramount+ and simulcast on MTV.

MTV Video Music Awards 2025 winners in full

Video of the Year, Presented by Burger King®

Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless

 

Artist of the Year

Bad Bunny

Beyoncé

Kendrick Lamar

Lady Gaga – WINNER

Morgan Wallen

Taylor Swift

The Weeknd

Taylor Swift’s lone nomination was in the Artist of the Year category

 

Song of the Year

Alex Warren – Ordinary

Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather

Doechii – Anxiety

Ed Sheeran – Sapphire

Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Lorde – What Was That

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt. – WINNER

Tate McRae – Sports Car

The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless

 

Best New Artist

Alex Warren

Ella Langley

Gigi Perez

Lola Young

Sombr

The Marías

 

Best Pop Artist

Ariana Grande

Charli XCX

Justin Bieber

Lorde

Miley Cyrus

Sabrina Carpenter

Tate McRae

Justin Bieber is one of the names in star-studded category Best Pop Artist

 

MTV Push Performance of the Year, Presented by Bacardí® Rum

Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song

Damiano David – Next Summer

Dasha – Bye Bye Bye

Gigi Perez – Sailor Song

Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani

Katseye – Touch – WINNER

Lay Bankz – Graveyard

Leon Thomas – Yes It Is

Livingston – Shadow

Mark Ambor – Belong Together

Role Model – Sally, When the Wine Runs Out

Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)

 

Best Collaboration, Presented by Under Armour

Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs – Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)

Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Post Malone Featuring Blake Shelton – Pour Me a Drink

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Sunset Blvd

 

Best Pop

Alex Warren – Ordinary

Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

Ed Sheeran – Sapphire

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Sabrina Carpenter is up for Best Pop for her music video for Manchild

 

Best Hip-Hop

Doechii – Anxiety

Drake – Nokia

Eminem Featuring Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me

Glorilla Featuring Sexyy Red – Whatchu Kno About Me

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

LL Cool J Featuring Eminem – Murdergram Deux

Travis Scott – 4×4

 

Best R&B

Chris Brown – Residuals

Leon Thomas & Freddie Gibbs – Mutt (Remix)

Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous

PartyNextDoor – No Chill

Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman

SZA – Drive

The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless

 

Best Alternative

Gigi Perez – Sailor Song

Imagine Dragons – Wake Up

Lola Young – Messy

MGK & Jelly Roll – Lonely Road

Sombr – Back to Friends

The Marías – Back to Me

 

Best Rock

Coldplay – All My Love

Evanescence – Afterlife (From the Netflix Series “Devil May Cry”)

Green Day – One Eyed Bastard

Lenny Kravitz – Honey

Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine

Twenty One Pilots – The Contract

 

Best Latin

Bad Bunny – Baile Inolvidable

J Balvin – Rio

Karol G – Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido

Peso Pluma – La Patrulla

Rauw Alejandro & Romeo Santos – Khé?

Shakira – Soltera

Karol G will be facing off against Bad Bunny in the Best Latin category

 

Best K-Pop

Aespa – Whiplash

Jennie – Like Jennie

Jimin – Who

Jisoo – Earthquake

Lisa Featuring Doja Cat & Raye – Born Again

Stray Kids – Chk Chk Boom

Rosé – Toxic Till the End

 Best Afrobeats

Asake & Travis Scott – Active

Burna Boy Featuring Travis Scott – TaTaTa

Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)

Rema – Baby (Is It A Crime)

Tems Featuring Asake – Get It Right

Tyla – Push 2 Start

Wizkid Featuring Brent Faiyaz – Piece of My Heart

Tyla is up for Best Afrobeats

 

Best Country

Chris Stapleton – Think I’m in Love With You

Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood – I’m Gonna Love You

Jelly Roll – Liar

Lainey Wilson – 4x4xU

Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?

Morgan Wallen – Smile

 

Best Album

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Lady Gaga – Mayhem 

Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem

Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet – WINNER

The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Lady Gaga’s Mayhem is up for Best Album a she has the most nominations with 12

 

Best Long Form Video

Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos (Short Film)

Damiano David – Funny Little Stories

Mac Miller – Balloonerism

Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful

The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

 

Video for Good

Burna Boy – Higher

Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish

Doechii – Anxiety

Eminem Featuring Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Younger and Hotter Than Me

Zach Hood Featuring Sasha Alex Sloan – Sleepwalking

 

Best Direction

Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

 

Best Art Direction

Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Lorde – Man of the Year

Miley Cyrus – End of the World

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.

Charli xcx and Billie Eilish are up for three awards for their Guess (Remix) video

 

Best Cinematography

Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

Ed Sheeran – Sapphire

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Miley Cyrus – Easy Lover

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

 

Best Editing

Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish

Ed Sheeran – Sapphire

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)

 

Best Choreography

Doechii – Anxiety

FKA twigs – Eusexua

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Tyla – Push 2 Start

Zara Larsson – Pretty Ugly

 

Best Visual Effects

Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead

Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)

The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

 

Best Group

Aespa

All Time Low

Backstreet Boys

Blackpink

Coldplay

Evanescence

Fuerza Regida

Grupo Frontera

Imagine Dragons

Jonas Brothers

Katseye 

The Marías

My Chemical Romance

Seventeen

Stray Kids

Twenty One Pilots

Katseye face heavy competition for Best Group

 

Song of the Summer

Addison Rae – Headphones On

Alex Warren – Ordinary

Benson Boone – Mystical Magical

BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman – All the Way

Chappell Roan – The Subway

Demi Lovato – Fast

Doja Cat – Jealous Type

Huntr/x – Golden

Jessie Murph – Blue Strips

Justin Bieber – Daisies

Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)

Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae – What I Want

Ravyn Lenae Featuring Rex Orange County – Love Me Not

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Sombr – 12 to 12

Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)