The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards brought big wins and bigger performances on Sept. 7 at UBS Arena in New York. Hosted by LL Cool J, the night honored music icons across genres, from pop and R&B to Latin and Afrobeats.
Lady Gaga Leads the Night
Lady Gaga entered the ceremony as the most-nominated artist with 12 nods and walked away with Artist of the Year. She also won Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for “Die With A Smile.”
Ariana Grande Shines with Video of the Year
Ariana Grande earned Video of the Year and Best Pop for her hit “Brighter Days Ahead,” reinforcing her star power on the VMA stage.
Shakira and Ricky Martin Highlight Latin Music
Our Latin star Shakira claimed Best Latin for her empowering anthem “Soltera,” marking one of the night’s most celebrated wins. Fellow Latin legend Ricky Martin was honored with the prestigious Latin Icon Award, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in music and culture. Together, their moments spotlighted the global reach of Latin music at the VMAs.
Ricky Martin Honored with Latin Icon Award
Ricky Martin accepted the prestigious Latin Icon Award, marking his enduring influence on Latin music and culture.
Other Major Winners
Sabrina Carpenter took home Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, while ROSÉ and Bruno Mars earned Song of the Year with APT. Mariah Carey received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and won Best R&B for Type Dangerous.
Group and Genre Highlights
Blackpink won Best Group, Coldplay picked up Best Rock for All My Love, and Tyla captured Best Afrobeats with PUSH 2 START. Rising talent Alex Warren was named Best New Artist.
2025 MTV VMAs Winners Quick List
- Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
- Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
- Best New Artist: Alex Warren
- Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin
- Song of the Year: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.
- Best R&B: Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous
- Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey
- Best Alternative: Sombr – Back to Friends
- Song of Summer: Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching
- Visionary Award: Busta Rhymes
- Best K-pop: LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – Born Again
- Best Afrobeats: Tyla – PUSH 2 START
- Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
- Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile
- Best Pop: Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
- Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – Anxiety
- Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Latin: Shakira – Soltera
- Best Group: Blackpink
- Best Rock: Coldplay – All My Love
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