Discover the full list of MTV VMAs 2025 winners, including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. From Mariah Carey’s lifetime achievement honor to global performances and an Ozzy Osbourne tribute, here are all the highlights.
MTV VMAs 2025 Winners: A Night of Female Power and Legacy
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners highlighted a historic evening where female artists took center stage at UBS Arena in Long Island. Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter led the pack, each taking home two awards. The show celebrated not only new talent but also legendary icons like Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Busta Rhymes. Despite being a muted ceremony compared to past years, the event delivered powerful moments, emotional speeches, and global music recognition.
Lady Gaga Leads the MTV VMAs 2025 Winners
Lady Gaga was the most nominated artist of the night, receiving 12 nods. She opened the list of MTV VMAs 2025 winners by securing the Artist of the Year award, beating industry titans like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bad Bunny. Gaga also earned Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for their duet Die With A Smile.
In her acceptance speech, Gaga emphasized resilience, artistry, and her connection with fans. Dressed in a dramatic black gown, she reminded audiences of the importance of art in daily life, saying it keeps people whole and grounded.
Ariana Grande’s Double Victory
Ariana Grande also emerged as one of the top MTV VMAs 2025 winners, winning Best Pop Video and the prestigious Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead. Accepting her award with director Christian Breslauer, Grande shared a heartfelt message about healing and self-discovery.
She stated that her project was about “coming home to our younger selves and creating safety in our lives.” Fans praised her for inspiring words that mirrored the song’s theme of hope and resilience.
Sabrina Carpenter Secures Album of the Year
Sabrina Carpenter, another standout among the MTV VMAs 2025 winners, won Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet and Best Pop Artist. Her live performance of Tears featured RuPaul’s Drag Race stars and ballroom legends, doubling as a bold statement in support of trans rights. Carpenter’s dynamic stage presence confirmed her as one of pop’s fastest-rising stars.
Lifetime Achievement Honors: Mariah Carey and More
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners weren’t limited to contemporary acts. Legacy artists received recognition through lifetime achievement awards:
- Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, making history as the eighth consecutive woman to win the honor. She performed a medley of hits before joking, “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
- Ricky Martin became the first Latin Icon Award recipient, performing classics like Livin’ La Vida Loca and attributing his four-decade career to loyal fans.
- Busta Rhymes accepted the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, celebrating his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop with a high-energy performance.
Bruno Mars and Rosé Win Song of the Year
Another major highlight among the MTV VMAs 2025 winners was Bruno Mars and Blackpink’s Rosé earning Song of the Year for Apt. Rosé’s emotional speech celebrated inclusivity and the dream of equal recognition for all artists.
Global Influence at the MTV VMAs
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners also reflected music’s growing globalization. Katseye, a multinational girl group with members from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the U.S., won Push Performance of the Year. J Balvin and DJ Snake energized fans with Noventa, while Post Malone and Jelly Roll represented the country-pop crossover trend with Losers.
Honoring Ozzy Osbourne
The evening also paid tribute to late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. Performances by Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry honored the “Prince of Darkness” with renditions of Crazy Train, Changes, and Mama, I’m Coming Home.
Complete List of MTV VMAs 2025 Winners
To summarize the biggest moments, here’s a breakdown of the top awards and their recipients:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | Lady Gaga |
| Album of the Year | Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet |
| Video of the Year | Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead |
| Best Pop Video | Ariana Grande |
| Best Pop Artist | Sabrina Carpenter |
| Song of the Year | Bruno Mars & Rosé – Apt |
| Best Collaboration | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile |
| Video Vanguard Award | Mariah Carey |
| Latin Icon Award | Ricky Martin |
| Rock the Bells Visionary Award | Busta Rhymes |
| Push Performance of the Year | Katseye |
| Best New Artist | Alex Warren |
Performances That Defined the Night
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners were complemented by unforgettable performances. Doja Cat, Tate McRae, and Sabrina Carpenter delivered high-energy sets, while Alex Warren performed his chart-topping Ordinary. Ricky Martin and Mariah Carey reminded fans why their music continues to inspire generations.
The Shift Toward Female Dominance
One striking theme of the MTV VMAs 2025 winners list is the dominance of female artists. From Lady Gaga to Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter to Mariah Carey, the awards showcased the strength and creativity of women in music. Their victories represent not only commercial success but also cultural influence and advocacy for social issues.
FAQs About MTV VMAs 2025 Winners
Q1: Who were the top MTV VMAs 2025 winners?
The top MTV VMAs 2025 winners were Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter, each winning two awards.
Q2: Which song won Video of the Year?
Ariana Grande’s Brighter Days Ahead won Video of the Year.
Q3: Who won Album of the Year at the MTV VMAs 2025?
Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet.
Q4: What award did Mariah Carey receive?
Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
Q5: Did any global artists win at the MTV VMAs 2025?
Yes, Rosé (Blackpink), J Balvin, DJ Snake, and Katseye represented global music among the MTV VMAs 2025 winners.
Conclusion: A Legacy-Focused Yet Female-Driven Night
The MTV VMAs 2025 winners list proves that the awards continue to evolve. The night balanced pop stardom, legacy recognition, and global diversity. While the show was less flashy than previous editions, the emphasis on female artists, social messages, and tributes created a meaningful celebration of music’s power.
From Lady Gaga’s artistry to Ariana Grande’s healing message, Sabrina Carpenter’s bold performance to Mariah Carey’s legacy, the VMAs reinforced that music is not just entertainment—it is a force for culture, memory, and hope.