• Published: Sep 08 2025 12:20 PM
  • Last Updated: Sep 08 2025 01:11 PM

Lady Gaga wins Artist of the Year; Ariana Grande, Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter, and new talents take home MTV VMAs 2025 awards.


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New York – The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) lit up the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, with LL Cool J hosting the night that celebrated music, creativity, and global icons. Fan votes decided the winners, and the evening balanced big star moments with genre diversity and meaningful honors.

Top Wins of the Night

  • Lady Gaga emerged as the biggest winner, earning four awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars.

  • Ariana Grande claimed Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for “Brighter Days Ahead.”

  • Rosé of BLACKPINK made history by winning Song of the Year for her collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars.

Legends Honored & Rising Stars Spotlighted

  • Mariah Carey received her first-ever Video Vanguard Award, marking a career milestone.

  • Ricky Martin was recognized as the first-ever Latin Icon Award recipient.

  • Alex Warren took home Best New Artist, while Tate McRae won Song of the Summer with “Just Keep Watching.”

Genre-Specific Highlights

  • Best Group: BLACKPINK

  • Best Rock: Coldplay

  • Best Country: Megan Moroney for “Am I Okay?”

  • Best Latin: Shakira for “Soltera”

  • Best Afrobeats: Tyla for “Push 2 Start”

  • Best K-Pop: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye, “Born Again”

This year blended powerhouse performances with emotion-filled tributes. Gaga’s sweep and Mariah’s first VMA created emotional highlights, while Rosé’s historic win signaled K-pop’s growing solo presence. The new awards in country and Latin categories show MTV's broader embrace of global sounds.

Full Winner Table

Award Category Winner(s)
Artist of the Year Lady Gaga
Video of the Year Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Song of the Year Rosé & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Best New Artist Alex Warren
Song of the Summer Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching”
Best Pop Artist Sabrina Carpenter
Best Group BLACKPINK
Best Rock Coldplay
Best Country Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
Best Latin Shakira – “Soltera”
Best Afrobeats Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
Best K-Pop Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – “Born Again”
Video Vanguard Award Mariah Carey
Latin Icon Award Ricky Martin
Rock the Bells Visionary Busta Rhymes (honored)

FAQ

Lady Gaga took home Artist of the Year, making her the biggest winner of the night.

Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” was named Video of the Year.

Yes, Rosé (with Bruno Mars) won Song of the Year for “APT.”

Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, and Ricky Martin earned the Latin Icon Award.

Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, and Tate McRae won Song of the Summer.

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