Lady Gaga wins artist of the year at MTV VMAs as Doja Cat delivers performance
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga were the undeniable stars of the show at the annual MTV Video Music Awards, each having their own standout moments that captivated the audience. Grande took home two prestigious awards, including video of the year and best pop video, prompting a buzz among viewers with her unconventional acceptance speech where she expressed gratitude to her therapists and the LGBTQ+ community.
Lady Gaga, who was the top nominee of the night, started off the event on a high note by winning artist of the year. She later wowed the audience with a riveting performance, emphasizing the profound impact of artistry and the responsibility that comes with it. Gaga’s performance encompassed a blend of her beloved hits, including “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance,” a single from the popular Netflix series “Wednesday.”
During the course of the evening, there were also heartfelt tributes to music icons Mariah Carey and Ozzy Osbourne. Mariah Carey, honored with the Video Vanguard Award, was praised by Ariana Grande, who referred to her as “the soundtrack of our lives.” Carey graced the stage in a stunning ensemble and performed a medley of her greatest hits, including tracks from her milestone album “The Emancipation of Mimi.” Reflecting on her illustrious career, Carey humorously questioned why she was only receiving her first VMA that night, all the while expressing love and gratitude to her fans.
The late Ozzy Osbourne was remembered through a powerful medley of his iconic songs by some of rock’s biggest names, such as Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt. Osbourne’s family members shared a touching video message, expressing their pride in seeing his musical legacy live on. The tribute concluded with a resounding declaration of “Ozzy forever, man!” underscoring Osbourne’s enduring impact on the music industry.
In addition to celebrating musical legends, the VMAs also honored current artists making waves in the industry. Busta Rhymes was presented with the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, acknowledging his contributions to hip hop. Rhymes delivered a dynamic performance of his classic hits and paid tribute to the late Ananda Lewis, a beloved television host, during his speech.
Ricky Martin received the first-ever Latin Icon Award, recognizing his remarkable 40-year career in music. Martin reflected on his evolution as an artist and dedicated the award to his children, underscoring his commitment to breaking boundaries and uniting people through music. His electrifying performance paid homage to his 25-year journey since his debut VMAs appearance in 1999, where he made history as the first male Latin artist to win best pop video.
The 2025 MTV VMAs were marked by high-energy performances from a diverse lineup of artists, setting the stage for a memorable night filled with music, entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to music icons past and present. The show concluded with a sense of unity and celebration, showcasing the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and uplift audiences worldwide.