It was a night for the icons.
On Sunday, the 2025 Video Music Awards returned to UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, as some of the biggest stars in music got their due in the most dragged-out way possible.
The night, hosted by LL Cool J, was dominated by electric performances by Ricky Martin, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Busta Rhymes, Jelly Roll and Post Malone, Sombr, Steven Tyler and Yungblud, Doja Cat and Mariah Carey, who received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
Ariana Grande, Lenny Kravitz, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Ciara, Ice Spice and more stars were also at the event. Taylor Swift, fresh off her engagement to Travis Kelce, noticeably skipped the ceremony despite attending last year and being nominated for Artist of the Year.
Aside from Carey, other winners of the night included Lady Gaga for Artist of the Year, Ariana Grande for Best Pop award and Video of the Year, Alex Warren for Best New Artist and Sabrina Carpenter for Best Album.
Here are the best and worst moments from the 2025 VMAs.
BEST: Lady Gaga wins Artist of the Year — then goes right to her concert
After skipping the red carpet, Lady Gaga took the stage early in the night to accept the Artist of the Year Award. The trophy was given out right away due to Gaga’s “Mayhem Ball” show at Madison Square Garden happening tonight, but at a later time because of the VMAs. During her acceptance speech, Gaga dedicated her award “to the audience,” telling them they “deserve a stage to shine on.” Then, Gaga rushed out of the building for another performance at MSG like an absolute pro.
WORST: Rosé’s speech
Where’s that cutoff music when you need it? Rosé gave a never-ending acceptance speech when she won Song of the Year for “APT.” with Bruno Mars. Standing solo on the stage, the K-Pop superstar thanked what felt like everyone in the world. Just when you thought it was over, it wasn’t.
BEST: Ricky Martin’s performance
Ricky Martin proved why he’s been a superstar for 40 years during his Latin Icon medley. He performed some of his greatest hits, including “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “Shake Your Bon-Bon,” “Maria,” and “The Cup of Life,” as the audience went absolutely wild. Then, Martin humbly accepted the Latin Icon Award from his longtime friend, Jessica Simpson. “I started as a baby, working, and we’re still here,” he told the crowd. “We just want to unite countries. We just want to break boundaries. And we just want to keep music alive.”
WORST: Mariah Carey underwhelms
Go girl, give us nothing! Mariah Carey took home the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and had no problem calling out MTV for taking so long to give her a Moonman during her speech. But her medley performance of her greatest hits was severely lacking, with some seriously stiff dance moves. Carey, while undoubtedly an icon, has had better nights.
BEST: The Ozzy Osbourne tribute
The award show paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a performance by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Yungblud and Nuno Bettencourt. They performed the late Black Sabbath frontman’s greatest hits, including “Crazy Train,” “Changes” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” following his death at age 76 in July. At the end of the tribute, the musicians shouted, “Ozzy Osbourne forever!” The performance came after Aerosmith retired from touring due to Tyler’s vocal cord issues.
WORST: No Taylor Swift
What is an award show without Taylor Swift? The pop star attended the VMAs last year, where she took home 7 Moonmen as the most-awarded artist of the night. But the lack of Swift’s star power presence was felt at the 2025 ceremony. Luckily, Swifties have her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” to look forward to on Oct. 3
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