Sweeping Nominations, Overdue Awards, and Heavy Tributes: MTV’s 2025 VMAs

(Image Source: ELLE)

MTV’s 2025 Video Music Awards took place Sunday, September 7, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. With sweeping nominations, overdue awards, and an incredible tribute to a beloved rockstar, it was a busy event, so here’s a recap:
by Emery Brown

Lady Gaga scored the most nominations of the night, having been nominated for twelve different categories. She would go on to win four of them, including Best Art Direction and Best Direction for her hit track “Abracadabra.” Additionally, she won Best Collaboration for her smash hit with Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile.” Gaga, who had a performance at Madison Square Garden on the same night, closed off her brief stay at the event with a speech upon receiving the Artist of the Year award. (Hollywood Reporter)

“I dedicate this award to the audience,” She stated, “You very much 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.” (People.com) 

MTV has hosted a wide roster of talented musicians throughout the years. Two of which that you wouldn’t expect to be “underappreciated” are Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey, two figures that helped propel MTV to its heights in the ‘90s and 2000s. This year, however, marked the first time either one was awarded a Moon Person. Following an electric performance, Carey was awarded the Video Vanguard Award, presented to her by Ariana Grande. Additionally, LL Cool J, another hip-hop legend, introduced Busta Rhymes, who received the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award for his significant impact on the visual aspects of the hip-hop soundscape over the years. Following a nod to LL Cool J and the late Ananda Lewis, a visionary MTV host and VJ who passed away from breast cancer earlier this year, he would joke, “ "Next time y'all take 35 years to give me one of these …" (USA Today)

(Image Source: People.com)

The most powerful performance of the evening was, undoubtedly, the tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. Introduced by members of the Osbourne family, the rockstar’s protege YungBlud would deliver covers of “Crazy Train” and “Changes,” two beloved tracks by Osbourne. Closing out the heartfelt performance, YungBlud would be joined by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith to deliver a legendary rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” leaving members of the crowd in tearful awe. (People.com)

Other notable winners include Ariana Grande for Video of the Year and Best Pop, Sabrina Carpenter for Best Album, Alex Warren for Best New Artist, KATSEYE for MTV Push Performance of the Year, and ROSÉ and Bruno Mars for Song of the Year. (Entertainment Now)
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2025 was an active and exciting year for music. With that, one can only wonder what the future holds for the music industry as it continues to change and evolve.