The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sept. 7 at the UBS Arena in New York. It had everything people expect from the VMAs with big wins, emotional moments, and performances that will be remembered for many years to come. What stood out to me most was how the show mixed the old with the new. Some artists finally got the recognition they deserved while others were just starting to prove themselves.
Lady Gaga’s win for Artist of the Year was not surprising. She went into the night with the most nominations and showed once again why she continues to stay on top of the music world. Ariana Grande’s Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead” was also well deserved since her video stood out for its creativity.
However, one of the most surprising wins was Alex Warren who won Best New Artist. It is difficult to believe how quickly he went from making content online to sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music.
The highlight of the night was Mariah Carey finally receiving the Video Vanguard Award. She has shaped pop music for decades but had never actually won a Moon Person until now. Her performance was incredible. She sang both older songs like “We Belong Together” and newer songs, including her recent single “Sugar Sweet,” which reminded everyone why she remains such a powerful figure in music. It felt like the kind of moment the VMAs are made for.
Another performance that really stood out to me was from Tate McRae. With her amazing performances of “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car,” she proved that she is more than just another pop act. Her vocals and stage presence showed she is ready to take the next big step in her career.
Overall, the 2025 VMAs felt like the perfect balance between honoring legends and celebrating the future of music. That mix of past and future is what made this year’s VMAs worth watching.
