The MTV Video Music Awards has long been one of pop culturePop CultureThe everyday entertainment, trends, and media that large groups of people share, including music, film, television, fashion, and online content. Pop culture reflects what a society cares about at aGo to Pop Culture Glossary’s biggest stages, where artists cement their legacy and chaos often steals the spotlight. Since its earliest years, the show has delivered both crowning achievements and unpredictable moments, from Britney Spears’ iconic live performances throughout the 2000s to Kanye West’s interruption of Taylor Swift in 2009. On Sunday, September 7, the 2025 VMAs returned to Long Island’s UBS Arena, continuing the tradition of spectacle, surprise, and star power.
Lady Gaga entered the night as the most-nominated artist, with 12 nods, and walked away with four Moon Person trophies, including the Artist of the Year award. It was enough to secure her spot as the night’s biggest winner, though she was edged out of the coveted Video of the Year award by Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead.” Grande picked up two other wins, while Sabrina Carpenter took home three, including Best PopPopShort for popular music, a broad genre built on catchy melodies, clear hooks, and polished production that aims to reach a wide audience. Pop constantly borrows from other styles, andGo to Pop Glossary Artist — a milestone many fans felt was overdue, given her steady climb in the industry over the past several years.
The show also spotlighted newer artists who rose through TikTokTikTokA social media platform for creating, sharing, and discovering short-form videos, featuring music, trends, challenges, and personalized content.Go to TikTok Glossary and other social platforms. Alex Warren won Best New Artist, outpacing fellow nominees sombr, Lola Young, and Spanish outfit The Marías. Doechii scored the Best Hip-Hop award with “Anxiety,” which samples Gotye’s 2011 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” The track’s win felt like a breakthrough moment, overtaking higher-profile contenders Drake and Kendrick Lamar, whose beef-fueled singles have already begun to go past their shelflife.
In the K-popK-popSouth Korean pop music, known for polished production, precise choreography, and highly organized fan communities. With a massive following in the Philippines, K-pop shapes fan culture, concerts, and fashion, andGo to K-pop Glossary category, BLACKPINK’s Lisa claimed Best K-pop with “Born Again,” her collaboration with Doja Cat and Raye. The win meant edging out her fellow BLACKPINK sisters, such as Rosé, Jisoo, and Jennie, as well as Aespa, in one of the evening’s tightest races.
LL Cool J served as the host for this year’s VMAs, and performances from Doja Cat, Ricky Martin, and Gaga energized the crowd. The night also honored Mariah Carey with the Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her decades-long career as one of the most enduring figures in popPopShort for popular music, a broad genre built on catchy melodies, clear hooks, and polished production that aims to reach a wide audience. Pop constantly borrows from other styles, andGo to Pop Glossary music.
More than three decades after its first shockwave moments in the early ‘90s, the VMAs remain a space where the culture converges. The show continues to crown popPopShort for popular music, a broad genre built on catchy melodies, clear hooks, and polished production that aims to reach a wide audience. Pop constantly borrows from other styles, andGo to Pop Glossary’s reigning icons, introduce the next wave, and remind audiences why its stage still matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lady Gaga, the night’s biggest winner, won four Moon Person trophies, including Artist of the Year, from 12 nominations. Sabrina Carpenter took three awards, and Ariana Grande also won three.
Ariana Grande took home the coveted Video of the Year award for “Brighter Days Ahead,” edging out Lady Gaga, who entered the night as the most-nominated artist with 12 nominations.
Alex Warren won the Best New Artist award, outpacing fellow nominees sombr, Lola Young, and The Marías. The show spotlighted newer artists who rose through TikTok and other social platforms.
Doechii won Best Hip-Hop for “Anxiety,” which samples Gotye’s 2011 “Somebody That I Used to Know,” beating rivals Drake and Kendrick Lamar. BLACKPINK’s Lisa won Best K-pop for “Born Again.”
LL Cool J hosted the 2025 VMAs at Long Island’s UBS Arena on September 7. Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, and Doja Cat, Ricky Martin, and Gaga performed.
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