2025 Video Music Awards Highlights
The 2025 Video Music Awards took place on Sunday evening and were broadcast on CBS, MTV, Paramount+, and other platforms. The show contained a number of performances and several awards were distributed.
Doja Cat Performs "Jealous Type"
Doja Cat started the VMAs with a performance of "Jealous Type". The singer appeared in a video influenced by Max Headroom, and then played her new track with a strongly influenced 80s pop atmosphere, including an unforgettable saxophone intro by Kenny G. Doja danced on the whole stage in a white crop top and black trousers, interacted with fans, and encouraged them to sing along. The background of her performance emphasized the retro feeling with bright lights made of pink and blue.
Ricky Martin Honored with Latin Icon Award
Ricky Martin gave an energetic performance before taking the Latin Icon Award on the 2025 Video Music Awards. The singer played his massive hit "Livin’ La Vida Loca" before starting a medley of songs. Martin brought the energy when he appeared in the audience and on stage. He was presented with the award, which honors his four decades of launching Latin music and culture into the mainstream.
Rosé Wins Song of the Year
Rosé took home the Song of the Year trophy for her hit "APT" with Bruno Mars. The song spent 45 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Rosé seemed enthusiastic to win the award, and took the opportunity to thank her team and promise to call Mars after leaving the stage. During her speech, the pop star thanked several people, including her team in her Korean agency The Black Label and her US label Atlantic Records.
Busta Rhymes Receives Rock the Bells Visionary Award
Busta Rhymes gave an unforgettable performance of several of his hit songs before taking the first Rock The Bells Visionary Award. The performance started with his hits "Gimme Some", "Scenario", "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See", and "Pass The Courvoisier, Part II". He was accompanied by Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and Glorilla, who helped him perform several songs. After playing the songs, Rhymes took a moment to speak to the crowd while accepting the award.
Tate McRae Performs Medley
Tate McRae took a night off from her global Miss Possessive tour to perform a medley of "Revolving Door" and "Sports Car" on Sunday evening. McRae met the stage in a white two-piece to sing two of her hit songs from her third studio album, So Close To What. The performance marked her first main-stage performance at the VMAs.
Sabrina Carpenter Supports Trans Rights
Sabrina Carpenter used her debut performance of her song "Tears" during the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 to represent transgender rights on Sunday evening. The optimistic performance took place on an outdoor set that resembled the streets of 1990s New York City. She was accompanied by drag queens and dancers in retro outfits, and many of the drag queens held signs that promoted trans rights.
Ozzy Osbourne Tribute
The 2025 Video Music Awards recognized Ozzy Osbourne on Sunday evening, just over a month after his death at the age of 76. Osbourne’s son Jack presented the tribute, which included a performance by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt. The tribute honored Osbourne’s legacy and helped inspire the next generation of rockers.
Mariah Carey Receives Videovanguard Award
Mariah Carey finally received her first MTV Video Music Award on Sunday evening when the Grammy-winning singer was awarded the Video Vanguard Award. Although she had been nominated for eight VMAs over the years, Carey had not yet won a competitive prize. Carey entered the stage after performing a medley of her hits and joked about her long-awaited award.
KPOP Demon Hunters Present Award
The ladies of Huntrix made it to the VMAs stage, with Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna presenting the Album of the Year award to Sabrina Carpenter for Short ‘n Sweet. The group, who voice the characters of Rumi, Zoey, and Mira in the hit Netflix and Sony animated film KPOP – Demon Hunter, spoke to the crowd about their incredible journey.
Lady Gaga Performs from Madison Square Garden
Those who missed the chance to see Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour during her multiple stay in New York’s Madison Square Garden were treated to part of the show during MTV VMAs 2025 on Sunday evening. Gaga’s performance of "Abracadabra" and her new single "The Dead Dance" was broadcast from her concert in Madison Square Garden. The performance was introduced by Rosé, who asked Gaga’s little monsters to record their "paws".
