The MTV Video Music Awards aired live on CBS on Sunday night at New York’s UBS Arena.
Hosted by legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J, the ceremony honored some of the biggest music superstars of 2025 and several legendary artists.
Lady Gaga, the leading nominee of the night, was awarded the Artist of the Year award at the beginning of the ceremony before sprinting off to her concert at Madison Square Garden on the same night.
Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter and Rosé also nabbed Moon Person statuettes.
Mariah Carey performed a medley of her greatest hits before accepting the Video Vanguard Award from Ariana Grande. Busta Rhymes was honored with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and set the stage ablaze with a star-studded performance that included rappers Papoose and GloRilla. He also gave a sweet acknowledgment to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis, who died of breast cancer at 52. Ricky Martin dazzled audiences with an energetic performance of his hits and made history as the first artist to receive the Latin Icon Award.
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud and Nuno Bettencourt gave a moving tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with a medley of the Prince of Darkness’ greatest hits.
Presenters included Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton and several others.
HuffPost liveblogged the entire ceremony. See below for details.
See The Complete Winners List For The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
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Ozzy Osbourne's Friend Wore Rock Star's Cross Necklace For Emotional VMAs Tribute
Ozzy Osbourne got a fitting VMAs tribute Sunday night, as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and singer Yungblud honored the late Black Sabbath rocker with an emotional performance. However, a heartfelt memento worn by the latter made the occasion extra special.
At the start of the tribute, Yungblud kissed a gold cross necklace that Osbourne gifted him before he died in July. On the red carpet, the singer told E! News, “He’s here with me. I’ve got his cross on. Ozzy forever, man.”
Leading up to the performance, Yungblud shared what the moment meant to him in an X post that read, “They’ve asked me to pay tribute to you at the @vmas on Sunday night. I’ll try my best to do you proud Oz. Tune in from up there. I love you forever.”
Watch Yungblud pay homage to Osbourne here.
Sabrina Carpenter Manages To Make A Political Statement During Her VMAs Performance Without Saying Anything
So far, the VMAs have been void of any mentions of the current political climate. But that didn’t stop Sabrina Carpenter from making a bold statement at the show — even if she didn’t say a single word.
At the end of her performance of “Tears,” the singer’s dancers held up signs that read messages like “Support trans rights” and “Dolls Dolls Dolls,” in support of the trans community as the administration continues to target it. This isn’t the first time Carpenter has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and hopefully, she won’t be the only artist to take some kind of political stand tonight.
See Carpenter's performance here.
R&B Star Summer Walker Channels Pamela Anderson's Fuzzy Look On The VMAs Red Carpet
I immediately clocked this fuzzy hat homage to Pamela Anderson as Summer Walker graced the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet.
Anderson wore the iconic hat at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Jessica Simpson Pretty Much Sums Up Ricky Martin's VMAs Performance In 3 Words
Jessica Simpson said what was on everyone’s minds after watching Ricky Martin crush his epic VMAs performance. The singer took the stage to present her longtime friend with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, but not before praising him as “one of the most dynamic performers” she knows.
“I mean, come on! He just crushed it!” Simpson said before turning her compliments elsewhere.
“And what a babe,” she added. “How hot is Ricky Martin? Come on.”
I’m sure that’s what a lot of people were thinking as the 53-year-old reminded us all why he’s deserving of his historic honor. All these years later, he’s certainly still got it.
VMAs Presents Biggest Award Of The Night First Because Lady Gaga Has Somewhere Else To Be
The VMAs didn’t leave us in suspense about who the 2025 Artist of the Year is, as Sunday's show kicked off with Lenny Kravitz presenting that award first. Lady Gaga took home the honor and gave a passionate speech dedicated to her fans. However, she kept her remarks short so she could dash off to her concert in New York City, which is technically already underway.
“I wish I could stay and watch all these amazing performances, but I have to get back to Madison Square Garden,” said Gaga before making a quick exit off the stage.
It’s astounding that she even made time to show up for the VMAs ceremony. Guess that goes to show why she’s artist of the year.
See All The Stunning And WTF Looks On The VMAs Red Carpet
Doja Cat Just Ate A Tube Of Lipstick On The VMAs Red Carpet
Leave it to Doja Cat to outdo her own weirdness. For this year’s VMAs, the singer-rapper hit the red carpet donning a colorful, ‘80s-inspired Balmain dress topped off with a red lip.
But she made a stunt of the moment when she pulled out a tube of lipstick and chomped down on it with a smile. If this is how the night is starting, I can only imagine what else is in store for the show.