The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were an unforgettable night, and the buzz is all about the incredible Ariana Grande VMAs 2025 victory! She took home the biggest prize of the evening, but that was just one of many amazing moments. The show was packed with jaw-dropping performances, stylish red carpet looks, and well-deserved wins for many of our favorite artists. Let’s break down everything that happened and get you the complete list of MTV VMAs 2025 winners! This guide will cover all the highlights, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail from music’s most exciting night.
The Biggest Win: Ariana Grande’s Video of the Year Triumph
The most exciting award is always Video of the Year. This year, the competition was incredibly fierce. Top artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and SZA were all nominated. But one video ultimately stood out above the rest. The Golden Moon Person trophy was awarded to Ariana Grande for her global hit, “Yes, and?”!
When they announced her name, Ariana looked completely shocked and overjoyed. She shared long, emotional hugs with her team and friends before gracefully walking to the stage. In her speech, she was breathless and grateful. She thanked her fans, known as Arianators, for their endless support and belief in her vision. This huge Ariana Grande VMAs 2025 win proves she is still a massive and creative force in the music industry. It was the perfect, glittering cap to her fantastic year.
Your Complete Guide to the 2025 VMA Winners
You’re probably eager to see who else won big. The complete list of MTV VMAs 2025 winners is impressive. It showcases a diverse mix of genres and talents. Don’t worry, we’ve got the complete rundown for you right here. Check out the official list of MTV VMAs 2025 winners across all the key categories.
The Biggest Awards of the Night
These are the awards every artist dreams of winning. The competition is always the toughest here. These winners truly defined the last year in music.
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Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – “yes, and?”
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Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
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Song of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
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Best New Artist: Tyla
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Best Collaboration: Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy”
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Group of the Year: Stray Kids
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Push Performance of the Year: Chappell Roan
Taylor Swift Skips MTV VMAs 2025 Despite Leading Nominations
Celebrating Winners by Music Genre
These categories celebrate the best sounds across different music styles. The winners here represent the pinnacle of their genres. It’s a fantastic way to discover new music.
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Best Pop: Dua Lipa – “Training Season”
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Best Hip-Hop: Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy”
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Best R&B: SZA – “Saturn”
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Best Rock: Green Day – “The American Dream Is Killing Me”
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Best Latin: Karol G – “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
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Best K-Pop: TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Deja Vu”
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Best Afrobeats: Tyla – “Water”
Honoring the Creative Winners: Behind the Scenes Magic
A music video isn’t just about the song. It’s about the art, the dance, the story, and the visual effects. These awards honor the incredible creativity behind the camera. They celebrate the directors, choreographers, and designers who bring the music to life.
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Best Direction: Ariana Grande – “yes, and?” (Director: Christian Breslauer)
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Best Visual Effects: Taylor Swift – “Fortnight” (feat. Post Malone)
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Best Choreography: Ariana Grande – “yes, and?”
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Best Art Direction: Lil Nas X – “J Christ”
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Best Editing: Olivia Rodrigo – “Obsessed”
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Best Cinematography: Billie Eilish – “CHIHIRO”
Unforgettable Performances from the 2025 VMAs
The VMAs are famous for their legendary performances. This year, the artists absolutely brought the house down. They left everything on that stage, creating moments that will be talked about for years to come. The energy in the room was electric from start to finish.
Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the night with a bang. She performed her fiery rock anthem, “obsessed.” The stage was designed to look like a messy teenage bedroom after a big argument. She poured her heart out, smashing a guitar at the end in a burst of raw emotion. It was pure, raw, emotional energy. Everyone was talking about it on social media instantly.
Tyler, the Creator, is known for his wild creativity. He did not disappoint. His performance felt like a chaotic, fun carnival coming to life. He had dancers in colorful, oversized costumes, giant bouncing props, and so much chaotic energy. It was weird, wonderful, and totally unforgettable. It was less of a performance and more of an experience.
And then there was Sabrina Carpenter. How do you perform a song called “Espresso”? You show up on a giant, spinning coffee cup, of course! Her performance was fun, flirty, and perfectly captured the song’s vibe. The audience was singing along to every single word. It was the perfect dose of pop fun. Other standout acts included a hauntingly beautiful set from Billie Eilish and a high-energy dance spectacle from K-Pop giants Stray Kids.
Red Carpet Fashion: The Best Looks of the Night
Let’s be honest, the red carpet is a show all by itself. The fashion this year was a fantastic mix of glamour, daring choices, and pure artistry. The stars truly came to impress, and the photographers were working overtime.
Ariana Grande, our Video of the Year winner, shone in a stunning silver gown. It was long, sleek, and covered in thousands of tiny sequins that caught the light perfectly. She looked like a walking moonbeam, a truly ethereal vision. It was classic Hollywood glamour with a modern twist.
Sabrina Carpenter turned heads in a vibrant yellow dress. It was covered in layers of fluffy feathers that swayed as she walked. She looked like a ray of sunshine, a bold and joyful choice that everyone loved. It was impossible to miss her on the carpet.
Lil Nas X never plays it safe. He arrived in a futuristic, metallic outfit that looked like armor from a sci-fi movie. It was bold, avant-garde, and 100% on brand for him. He knows how to make a statement and get people talking, and he succeeded yet again. Other fashion moments included Doja Cat’s minimalist chic look and Ice Spice’s dramatic, high-fashion ensemble.
Wrapping Up an Amazing Night in Music
The story of Ariana Grande’s VMAs 2025 triumph was the headline of a brilliant show. The full list of MTV VMAs 2025 winners showcases the incredible depth of talent in music today. From pop to rock to K-pop, every genre had its moment to shine. The artists brought their very best to the stage and the red carpet, creating a celebration of creativity, passion, and fantastic music.
This night was more than just awards; it was a cultural moment. It highlighted the power of music videos to tell stories and create art. The Ariana Grande VMAs 2025 success story is an inspiration. We can’t wait to see what everyone does next. Until next year