The 2025 VMAs landed in New York City on a crisp September night, and the buzz hasn’t died down yet. Fans were glued to the stage for big wins, shocking moments, and a fashion‑forward after‑party that turned the city into a runway.
Lady Gaga dominated the night with four awards, adding another trophy to her already long list. Ariana Grande walked away with three wins, including Video of the Year for her electrifying "Timeless" clip. Bruno Mars matched that three‑award tally, while newcomers like Tate McRae snagged two, proving the VMA stage still loves fresh talent.
The new categories also stole some attention. Best Country and Best Pop Artist debuted, letting genres that rarely cross paths showcase their best. The fan‑voted Best New Artist ran until the final minutes of the broadcast, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
One of the most talked‑about moments was the eight‑minute Ozzy Osbourne tribute. YUNGBLUD opened with "Crazy Train," then handed the mic to Steven Tyler and Joe Perry for a heartfelt "Mama, I’m Coming Home." The cross‑generational vibe showed how rock still fuels pop culture.
Aside from the tribute, The Weeknd’s "Hurry Up Tomorrow" set turned the arena into a light show, and a surprise duet between Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz added a fresh romance buzz to the night. Each act mixed classic vibes with modern twists, keeping the audience guessing what would happen next.
Fashion fans weren’t left out either. The after‑party turned the rooftop into a runway, with Tate McRae going sheer and BLACKPINK’s Rosé rocking fringe and pins. Even Mariah Carey swapped her usual glam for a rocker look after being honored for her Vanguard contribution.
If you missed the live broadcast, you don’t have to stay in the dark. Major outlets posted recap videos, and fan forums shared real‑time reactions. A quick search for “MTV VMA 2025 highlights” pulls up highlight reels that stitch together the big wins, the surprise performances, and the best dressed moments in under ten minutes.
Overall, the 2025 VMAs proved that music awards still have the power to surprise, celebrate, and set trends for the rest of the year. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just curious about what the night looked like, the winners list, performance clips, and after‑party photos give you a complete picture of the event.
The 2025 VMAs hit 5.5 million viewers—the best in six years—thanks to a first-ever CBS simulcast. Lady Gaga led with four wins from 12 nominations but left early to perform at Madison Square Garden. Ariana Grande won Video of the Year, and Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award. New fan-voted categories and veteran honors rounded out a tightly produced night.
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