And just like that, the 2025 MTV VMAs have come and gone, leaving behind a trail of chaotic fun, from red carpet fashion and beauty to showstopping performances and award speeches. But, with all the buzz, you might be left wondering who actually won at VMAs 2025? (And did your fave get snubbed?)
Now in its 41st year, the VMAs celebrated the buzziest stars in music at the Sept. 7, 2025, award ceremony, held in New York City and hosted by the legendary LL Cool J. This year’s performers were pretty star-studded and included Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren, sombr, and more.
Aside from the stars performing, the 2025 VMAs presenters featured everyone from Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, and Ciara to KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna (the singing voices of Huntr/x), Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Megan Stalter, and more. Meanwhile, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt gathered to pay tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
As for VMAs nominees who eventually became winners, the competition was steep. The most significant award of the night, Video of the Year, was in fierce competition between Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Weeknd. Grande ultimately ended up taking home the award for her 26-minute short film “brighter days ahead,” which was directed by herself and frequent collaborator Christian Breslauer featuring the music of eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead.
It was also a big night for first times. BLACKPINK member Rosé, who was nominated for the first time as a soloist, made history as the first K-pop artist to ever win Song of the Year, one of the night’s biggest categories, with her viral hit “APT.” alongside Bruno Mars. First-time nominees KATSEYE also took home their first Moon Person, as did Alex Warren, bagging the coveted Best New Artist nod.
If you don’t want to miss a single category, check out the complete updated list with all of the VMAs 2025 winners below.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR, presented by Burger King®
WINNER: 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
WINNER: Lady Gaga
- Bad Bunny
- Beyoncé
- Kendrick Lamar
- Morgan Wallen
- Taylor Swift
- The Weeknd
SONG OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- 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”
- Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
- The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
BEST NEW ARTIST
WINNER: Alex Warren