2025 VMAs Recap: Ozzy Osbourne Gets a Tribute; Ariana Grande Takes Video of the Year

Ariana Grande concluded her big night by winning one of the most coveted awards, video of the year, for her song "Brighter Days Ahead."

Grande, who had to lift her head due to the microphone being too tall, brought the music video's director, Christian Breslauer, onto the stage to help accept the award.

Ariana Grande accepts the video of the year award for “Brighter Days Ahead” at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

She began her handwritten speech by thanking her fans for supporting her since she was a teenager. "Art has been a safe space for me since I was a kid. I'm so grateful I get to do this with my life, and to have such fiercely loving and supportive fans," she read. "Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being navigating in real time which creative itch needs to be scratched next."

Grande explained that her latest album was about healing from trauma. "If you're on that journey, please continue onward because I promise there are brighter days ahead," she encouraged.

She handed the microphone over to Breslauer, who praised her for being "a brilliant collaborator."

Conan Gray combined drama and vocals for an emotional performance of his hit "Vodka Cranberry."

The singer began his performance by singing over a past lover, who was lying in a bed of roses.

Gray, who was wearing a regal maroon cape, matching blouse and white pants, faced the crowd and worked the stage while singing the lyrics from the heartbreaking ballad.

Sisters Jessica and Ashlee Simpson came together onstage to present the award for best collaboration. It went to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for “Die with a Smile.” Neither were there to accept the moon person. (Gaga took off earlier for her MSG concert.)

Jessica and Ashlee Simpson at the VMAs.  MTV

Hours after winning best alternative for "Back to Friends," Sombr performed the song on the VMAs stage.

With a photo booth prop on stage, Sombr snapped photos in between singing the lyrics. He then announced that the next tune was "for the girls" before singing "12 to 12."

Sombr performs on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

Both songs are from his debut album, "I Barely Know Her," which was released Aug. 22.

Ciara took the stage to present the award for best pop. It went to Ariana Grande, for “brighter days ahead.”

These were the nominees:

Alex Warren — “Ordinary”

Ariana Grande — “brighter days ahead”

Ed Sheeran — “Sapphire”

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars — “Die with a Smile”

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars — “APT.”

Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”

Country singer Megan Moroney took the stage to perform her song “6 Months Later.” She’s nominated for best country tonight for “Am I Okay?”

Megan Moroney performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

Another of the VMAs’ top categories — best album — was presented by “KPop Demon Hunters” singers Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” nabbed this one, beating out heavy hitters like Bad Bunny’s “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” and Lady Gaga's “Mayhem.”

“I really don’t take for granted when you guys listen to an album. If I’m lucky enough that that is my album, I am so grateful,” Carpenter said while accepting her moon person.

Sabrina Carpenter accepts the best album award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

“Every artist here that is nominated tonight, that's performing, that's standing here looking amazing — you all mean so much to me and inspired me so much. Thanks for letting me be in this room with you,” she added.

J Balvin took the stage to perform “Zun Zun,” a track with Lenny Tavárez and Justin Quiles, and “Noventa,” with DJ Snake.

J Balvin performing during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

MTV played a video honoring Ozzy Osbourne that included footage of the late rocker talking about his kids and wife, Sharon Osbourne, before Yungblud appeared to deliver a tribute performance.

Yungblud, who was shirtless and sported leather pants, asked the crowd "Are you ready?!" before he started to sing along to "Crazy Train." He continued to hype of the crowd, head banging and jumping around the stage beside guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.

Yungblud performs at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards during the Ozzy Osbourne tribute. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

The singer then donned a leather fur coat as he belted the lyrics to "Changes."

When the song finished, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry strutted onto the stage to perform their rendition of "Mama, I'm Coming Home."

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry perform "Mama, I'm Coming Home" during Ozzy Osbourne tribute.  MTV

Perry strummed his guitar as Tyler hit the high notes. Yungblud joined them and the three rocked out together.

Yungblud, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry perform together at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

"Ozzy, forever man!" Yungblud screamed into the microphone as the song ended. He also planted a kiss on Tyler's cheek as he laughed.

Alex Warren, who accepted the award for best new artist earlier in the night, took the stage to play “Ordinary,” his song that is twice-nominated tonight. He was introduced by “The Hunting Wives” stars Malin Åkerman and Brittany Snow, who said “Ordinary” is the longest-running No. 1 song this year.

Alex Warren performing on stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

"Put your paws up, MTV!" Lady Gaga told the crowd before beginning her performance of "Abracadabra" at the VMAs.

As Lady Gaga mentioned in her artist of the year acceptance speech, she had made her way to Madison Square Garden for the performance, which was recorded from her "Mayhem Ball" tour earlier in the day, according to fans on social media.

Lady Gaga performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.  MTV

The pop star also delighted viewers with the first performance of her new song, "The Dead Dance," which is featured in Season 2 of the hit Netflix show "Wednesday."

Lady Gaga performs "The Dead Dance" for the first time at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.  MTV

She channel the same unsettling, kooky vibe from "The Dead Dance" music video as she belted out the lyrics and danced.

Ariana Grande thanked Mariah Carey for providing fans with "the soundtrack of our lives" before the music icon appeared on stage to deliver a medley of her current and past hits.

Carey opened with her newest song, "Sugar Sweet," before the audience erupted as the intro for "Fantasy" began to play. Shining bright in a bold bodysuit and matching knee high boots, Carey sang the chorus of "Fantasy" before transitioning into "Heartbreaker."

Mariah Carey performing a medley of her hits at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. ANGELA WEISS / AFP - Getty Images

She finished with "Obsessed," "It's Like That" and "We Belong Together" before Grande walked onto the stage and handed her a golden moon person.

"This moon man is very heavy," Carey joked and gave Grande some praise.

Mariah Carey accepts the video vanguard award during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

"What in the Sam hell were you waiting for?" Carey said as she began her speech and mentioned making history by receiving her first VMAs tonight.

She then reflected on some of her many legendary music video moments over the years. "After all this time, I've learned that music evolves, videos evolve. But the fun, that is eternal." She thanked MTV for playing her videos and her fans, the Lambily, for supporting her.

Mariah also plugged the upcoming release of her next album, "Here for It All," out on Sept. 26.

Country singer-songwriter Bailey Zimmerman performed "Lost" with The Kid Laroi. Zimmerman is up for one moon person tonight: best collaboration with Luke Combs for “Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video).”

Post Malone took the stage tonight in a Cowboys jersey to perform his song "Losers" alongside featured artist Jelly Roll. The pair's performance was aired from Germany, where the artists performed tonight as part of Post Malone's world tour, "The Big A-- Stadium Tour."

Ice Spice and Latto presented the moon person for push performance of the year to KATSEYE for “Touch.” MTV Push spotlights emerging artists and this award celebrates performances from some of those performers.

Sabrina Carpenter returned to the VMAs stage for the debut performance of her newest single, "Tears."

Carpenter brought the New York City streets to the stage, including a telephone booth where she made a slight wardrobe change.

Sabrina Carpenter performs "Tears" at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

"Dance break," she whispered before launching into choreography as water rained down on her.

Sabrina Carpenter nails her choreography at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

"Tears" is the second single from Carpenter's seventh studio album, "Man's Best Friend," which was released Aug. 29.

MTV gave out its first Rock the Bells Visionary Award at this year's VMAs to Busta Rhymes, who took the mic to perform a medley of his songs. Believe it or not, like Mariah Carey, this is Busta Rhymes' first moon person.

Busta Rhymes performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Kevin Kane / Getty Images

"Y'all know I usually do these long speeches. I'm not going to do one today," he said. "But next time y'all take 35 years to give me one of these, y'all going to let me talk as long as I wanted."

He thanked his parents and his children, and closed by honoring Ananda Lewis, the late MTV VJ who died this year of breast cancer.

Presenter Paris Hilton announced Bruno Mars and Rosé as the winners of song of the year for their hit "APT."

Although Mars wasn't in attendance Sunday night, Rosé accepted the award for both of them.

Rosé accepts the award for song of the year for "Apt." at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

She was overcome with emotion as she thanked Mars for believing in her. Rosé said that she was recently asked about one of her biggest fears. She shared she was worried about hitting a wall and disappointing her 16-year-old self.

"Twelve years later, I dedicate this award to my 16-year-old self, who dreamed," she said. "And to all those who have watched me grow into the artist I am today and placed their dreams in me to make this change."

Rosé said she doesn't feel like an imposter now that MTV has handed her this award.

At the end of her speech, she praised Mars for being an "absolute idol" and "incredible teacher," before expressing her gratitude for her fellow Blackpink members.

Lastly, she thanked herself for not giving up during difficult moments.

Pop sensation Tate McRae opened her VMAs performance with her hit "Revolving Door," which is nominated for best editing. (And, yes, she did do the iconic back-bend leg extension from the music video.) She followed that with "Sports Car," which is up for song of the year.

Tate McRae performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Arturo Holmes / Getty Images

Tate McRae performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel / Getty Images

Ricky Martin made history at the 2025 VMAs by becoming the first-ever recipient of the Latin icon award.

He was handed the golden moon person by Jessica Simpson, who reflected on opening up for Martin in the '90s, helping launch her career.

Ricky Martin receives the Latin icon award on stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

"I am addicted to your applause. That's why I keep coming back," Martin told the crowd. "It's you, not only here in America, but all over the world."

He continued, "It's been 40 years. I started when I was a baby, and we're still here. We just want to reunite countries. We just want to break boundaries. We just want to keep music alive."

Martin dedicated the award to his four children and his team.

"That's it! I love you!" he roared before leaving the stage.

Ricky Martin, introduced by J Balvin, took the mic next to perform a medley of his hits from his decades-long career. Kicking it off with none other than "Livin' La Vida Loca," the global pop star performed four more hits, including "Shake Your Bon-Bon," "María," and "La Copa de la Vida."

Ricky Martin performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

Ricky Martin performing at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

Lola Young took the stage next to perform “Messy.” Young was up for two VMAs this year: best new artist, which was already given to Alex Warren, and song of the summer, which went to Tate McRae.

Lola Young performs on stage during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

Lady Gaga graced the VMA stage to accept the artist of the year award, the first handed out during the broadcast.

The singer accepted her moon person from presenter Lenny Kravitz before reading a speech she wrote while getting ready for the night.

"I cannot begin to tell you what this means to me," she said. "I thought about what it means to be rewarded for being an artist, being rewarded for something that is already so rewarding. Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world."

Lady Gaga wins best artist of the year at the 2025 VMAs.   MTV

She said that as an artist she feels a responsibility to make an audience smile and celebrate community.

Lady Gaga added that she was dedicating her award to the audience.

Lady Gaga on stage at the 2025 VMAs. Angela Weiss / Getty Images

"Thank you, Little Monsters, my fans, for always supporting me and always supporting the monster in me," she said. "And to my partner in all things, Michael (Polansky), creating this year with you was a beautiful, beautiful dream. And you have been my partner every step of the way. I dedicate this to you, too, my love." The “Garden of Eden” singer and fiancé Polansky revealed their engagement in September 2024.

At the end of her speech, she said she had to run off to her concert at Madison Square Garden, kicking off in about an hour.

After host LL Cool J gave a quick intro to the crowd and viewers at home, Doja Cat hit the stage with an ’80s inspired set to perform “Jealous Type.”

Tate McRae's hit "Just Keep Watching" from "F1: The Movie" has been deemed the song of summer at the 2025 VMAs.

"So excited, this is crazy," McRae said as she accepted her moon person. "I just feel very blessed and honored to be here. The vibes are good."

Tate McRae with Nessa Diab as she accepts the VMA for song of summer at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York.  Roy Rochlin / Getty Images

She also teased her performance for later in the night. "I think it's definitely a little out there. It's so fun. I get to tell a story." She predicted her fans will enjoy her Medusa-inspired performance.

A stunned Sombr found out he won the VMA for best alternative for his song "Back to Friends" live during the pre-show.

"Did I win?" the confused musician asked as he held his moon person.

Sombr reacts to winning best alternative VMA for his song "Back to Friends."  MTV

"Thank you so much. I didn't expect this. I thought this was a prank," he said, adding that he wrote and produced the song by himself.

He continued, "I made it at a really low point so receiving this award is honestly insane. I grew up watching the VMAs." Sombr thanked his fans, family, team and everyone who has supported him before kissing his award.

Yungblud is reflecting on his final moments with the late Ozzy Osbourne ahead of him joining Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Nuno Bettencourt for a tribute to the heavy metal icon.

On the red carpet, Yungblud arrived wearing a necklace that Osbourne, who died on July 22, gifted to him. He shared with TODAY.com the story behind the sentimental accessory. He recalled inviting Osbourne to come to the set of his music video for his song "The Funeral." The 28-year-old artist said that the music icon agreed. At the end of the shoot, Osbourne handed him a necklace and said, "'I hope this brings you luck, man,'" Yungblud said.

YUNGBLUD at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Noam Galai / Getty Images

He added, "It was the start of a beautiful friendship. Ozzy forever."

Yungblud then told TODAY.com that his last interaction with Osbourne was at the Black Sabbath frontman's farewell show in Birmingham. He wanted to return the favor, so he gave Osbourne a gold cross at the concert.

"We had a really beautiful moment and I got to thank him for the music. He told me to 'go and conquer America,'" Yungblud shared. He said hearing about Osbourne's death a few weeks later was "tragic" and "upset" him.

The singer said he will help make sure Osbourne's legacy lives on.

He also confirmed that fans should look for some Easter eggs in his forthcoming performance with Aerosmith and Bettencourton on the VMAs stage.

Mariah Carey's "Type Dangerous" takes home the award for best R&B this year. Believe it or not, it's her first VMA ever.

"Yay, my first moon man ever!" she said in a pre-recorded message during the pre-show. "I don't know why it took so long to happen. Just kidding!"

The VMAs pre-show kicked off at the top of the hour, just in time to give out the first award of the night. Alex Warren received the moon person for best new artist.

Warren’s song "Ordinary" is also nominated for song of the year and best pop tonight. He'll also be performing at some point in the evening.

Alex Warren reacts to receiving best new artist VMA.  MTV

Summer is coming to an end, but that isn't stopping "Love Island USA" stars and Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe from heating up the VMAs red carpet.

The adored Season 7 couple made their VMAs debut Sunday after teasing their appearance on social media all weekend. Carthen wowed in an all-red look, featuring a bodysuit, gloves and a train.

Olandria Carthen at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7.  Noam Galai / Getty Images

Meanwhile, Vansteenberghe opted for a more classic ensemble and sported an all-black suit.

Nic Vansteenberghe at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7.  Mike Coppola / Getty Images

Sadly for Nicolandria fans, the two didn't snap any pictures together. Vansteenberghe explained why on his Snap story, writing, "Unfortunate news: olandria and I won't be on the red carpet together for some reason. Wanted to let yall know first."

But, he later shared a clip of him holding her train as they seemingly made their way to their seats.

Since leaving the villa, Carthen and Vansteenberghe have been busy making public appearances while sharing glimpses into their relationship on social media. Vansteenberghe recently uploaded clips of him and Carthen reviewing different foods together. Carthen also posted a slideshow of photos to Instagram Sept. 5 that showed her attending a U.S. Open match and a VMAs pre-show event.

Taylor Swift is a VMAs mainstay. Plus, she currently holds the title for the most awarded solo artist in VMAs history and is tied with Beyoncè for most career VMA wins overall.

So will she be there this year? She’s nominated in just one category in 2025 — artist of the year — but Swift has not publicly indicated whether she’ll be in attendance with all the other nominees. We’ll be tuning in to find out.

Read more here.

The 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet it underway, with "Building the Band" winners 3Quency as a few of the first stars to arrive.

3Quency members Brianna Mazzola, Wennely Quezada and Nori Moore chatted with TODAY.com on the red carpet about how their lives have changed since they won the Netflix competition show. Moore said it has "rollercoaster" navigating the music industry so far.

They also shared what it was like to work with Liam Payne, who served as a mentor on the show and died on Oct. 16, 2024, shortly after the trio were crowned the winners.

"I think our favorite memory with Liam is probably right before we wrapped," Mazzola recalled. "We did, like, a little after party. He pulled us aside for, like, an hour and really just gave us all the mentorship advice that he couldn't fit into the show."

She added, "(He) really put time into filling our cup and giving us what we needed really to be prepared for what was coming because he had understood the experience of going on a reality show and making a group, and walking out and having a very different reality."

Mazzola said 3Quency has kept his advice in mind over the last few months.

After the show ended, 3Quency signed to Records/Columbia Records. The group released their debut single, "Top Down," and the accompanying music video Sept. 5.

MTV announced in August that Grammy winner and former Video Vanguard recipient LL Cool J will host the 2025 MTV VMAs.

Although the hip-hop legend previously served as co-emcee in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow, the Sept. 7 ceremony will mark the first time he leads the show solo, the network said in a press release.

LL Cool J has created many memories on the VMAs stage over the years. He won his first moon person in 1991 for the best rap award and he became the first rapper to have the honor of receiving the Video Vanguard Award in 1997, according to the press release.

Last year, he joined Public Enemy for a performance celebrating Def Jam Recording's 40th anniversary. In 2023, he was one of the many rap icons who took the stage to commemorate 50 years of hip-hop.

In addition to serving as host, LL Cool J is also a nominee this year. His song "Murdergram Deaux," featuring Eminem, is nominated in the best hip-hop category.

MTV revealed its VMAs nominations over the summer. Lady Gaga has 12 nods, the most of any artist this year, followed by Bruno Mars (11), Kendrick Lamar (10), and Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter (eight each).

Below is a peek at nominees in some top categories. Visit here for the full list.

Video of the Year

• Ariana Grande — “Brighter Days Ahead”
• Billie Eilish — “Birds of a Feather”
• Kendrick Lamar — “Not Like Us”
• Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars — “Die With a Smile”
• Rosé & Bruno Mars — “Apt.”
• Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”
• The Weeknd, Playboi Carti — “Timeless”

Artist of the Year

• Bad Bunny
• Beyoncé
• Kendrick Lamar
• Lady Gaga
• Morgan Wallen
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd

Song of the Year

• Alex Warren — “Ordinary”
• Billie Eilish — “Birds of a Feather”
• Doechii — “Anxiety”
• Ed Sheeran — “Sapphire”
• Gracie Abrams — “I Love You, I’m Sorry”
• Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars — “Die With a Smile”
• Lorde — “What Was That”
• ROSÉ & Bruno Mars — “Apt.”
• Tate McRae — “Sports Car”
• The Weeknd, Playboi Carti — “Timeless”

Best New Artist

• Alex Warren
• Ella Langley
• Gigi Perez
• Lola Young
• Sombr
• The Marías

MTV has revealed the star-studded group of artists who will perform at the 2025 VMAs.

Among the list of performers is Mariah Carey, who will deliver a medley of her biggest hits before accepting the Video Vanguard Award.

Leading up to the ceremony, MTV also announced a “special world premiere performance” from Lady Gaga, who released a new song called “The Dead Dance” on Sept. 3. Plus, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, as well as Yungblud and Nuno Bettencourt, will perform a tribute to the late heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne.

The following singers have also been tapped to take the stage at the 2025 MTV VMAs. See here for the full list of VMAs performers.

• Alex Warren
• Bailey Zimmerman
• Conan Gray
• DJ Snake
• Doja Cat
• J Balvin
• Jelly Roll
• Katseye
• Lady Gaga
• Lola Young
• Megan Moroney
• Post Malone
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sombr
• Tate McRae
• The Kid Laroi

The 2025 MTV VMAs are nearly here!

The show kicks off live from New York's UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7, on the music network. The ceremony will be broadcast from coast-to-coast starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Plus, for the first time ever, the VMAs will air simultaneously on CBS as well.

For music fans who don't have access to cable, the 2025 VMAs will be available to stream live on Paramount+, but only for Paramount+ Premium subscribers. Those who do not subscribe to the special tier, Paramount+ Essential subscribers, can watch the show the next day.

Visit here to learn more about how to watch.

The one-hour pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on MTV and BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.