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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off with a bang last night, thanks to the saxophonic stylings of . . . KENNY G???
That’s right, Kenny G was the first performer to hit the VMA stage in 2025 . . . but only because he was part of Doja Cat’s performance.
Another highlight was the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, featuring Yungblud, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith.
Other performers included Sabrina Carpenter, J. Balvin, Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, Conan Gray, Post Malone with Jelly Roll, and Video Vanguard Award recipient Mariah Carey.
In her acceptance speech, Mariah asked MTV, quote, “What in the Sam Hill took you so long,” since this was her first Moonman. But it was technically her SECOND, because earlier in the night she won Best R&B Video for “Type Dangerous”.
Lady Gaga’s performance of “Abracadabra” and “Dead Dance” was pre-taped, because she had a show across town at Madison Square Garden. But she did attend the VMAs long enough to accept the trophy for Artist of the Year.
Ariana Grande had a good night, winning Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for “Brighter Days Ahead”.
Sabrina Carpenter took Best Pop Artist and Best Album, for “Short n’ Sweet”.
(Check out UNCENSORED videos from the show here.)
The 2025 MTV Video Music Award Winners
Video of the Year: Ariana Grande, “Brighter Days Ahead”
Song of the Year: ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, “APT.”
Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
Best New Artist: Alex Warren
Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
Best Pop Video: Ariana Grande, “Brighter Days Ahead”
Song of Summer: Tate McRae, “Just Keep Watching”
Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, “Die with a Smile”
Best Hip-Hop Video: Doechii, “Anxiety”
Best R&B Video: Mariah Carey, “Type Dangerous”
Best Alternative Video: Sombr, “Back to Friends”
Best Rock Video: Coldplay, “All My Love”
Best Country Video: Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?”
Best K-Pop: Lisa featuring Doja Cat and Raye, “Born Again”
Best Group: Blackpink
Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”
Push Performance of the Year: KATSEYE, “Touch”
(Check out the rest of the winners here.)
