— At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, Mariah Carey was presented the Video Vanguard Award while Lady Gaga took Artist of the Year; the ceremony also featured performances by Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, Doja Cat and several others.
Key takeaways
- Mariah Carey received the 2025 Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of signature hits.
- Lady Gaga was named Artist of the Year and made a surprise appearance while on tour.
- Ricky Martin received the inaugural Latin Icon Award; Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
- Bruno Mars and Rosé won Song of the Year for “APT.”, and Tate McRae won Song of Summer for “Just Keep Watching.”
- Several performances included Doja Cat with Kenny G, Sabrina Carpenter, Lola Young and a remote set from Post Malone and Jelly Roll in Hanover, Germany.
- Category winners from the preshow included Alex Warren (Best New Artist) and Megan Moroney (Best Country for “Am I Okay?”).
Verified facts
Mariah Carey opened her Vanguard segment with a nostalgic medley that included “Sugar Sweet,” “Fantasy,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That” and closed with “We Belong Together.” Ariana Grande presented Carey with the Moon Person; Carey reflected on the role of music videos in her career and quipped about the timing of the honor.
Lady Gaga accepted Artist of the Year in a brief acceptance while scheduled to headline the Mayhem Ball tour in New York. In her remarks she framed artistry as a responsibility that connects global audiences and dedicated the award to fans.
Ricky Martin performed a high-energy set of hits and accepted the first Latin Icon Award, dedicating the honor to his children. Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award and performed a medley including “Gimme Some More,” “As I Come Back” and “Break Ya Neck.” LL Cool J introduced several honor segments and served as the evening’s host.
Other confirmed winners and moments: Bruno Mars and Rosé were awarded Song of the Year for “APT.” Tate McRae won Song of Summer for “Just Keep Watching.” Tyla won Best Afrobeats for “PUSH 2 START.” KATSEYE won MTV Push Performance of the Year. Best K-pop went to Lisa’s “Born Again” featuring Doja Cat and Raye. somb’r won Best Alternative for “back to friends.”
Context & impact
The Video Vanguard Award historically spotlights artists whose visual work shaped pop culture; honoring Mariah Carey underscores the continued commercial and cultural value of music videos as both promotional tools and artistic statements.
Lady Gaga’s Artist of the Year win arrives during an active touring year; such recognition can amplify ticket sales, streaming numbers and media visibility. The creation of the Latin Icon Award signals MTV’s effort to widen recognition of Latin music’s global influence.
Honors for legacy artists like Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes coexist with awards for emerging acts such as Alex Warren and KATSEYE, reflecting the VMAs’ dual role of celebrating heritage and spotlighting new talent. Remote performances and preshow wins continue to shape the ceremony format in a post-pandemic, globally connected era.
She knows no limits with her five-octave range and has left an irrevocable impact on music history.
Ariana Grande, introducing Mariah Carey
Unconfirmed
- Final setlists and guest appearances for the planned Ozzy Osbourne tribute with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt were reported as scheduled but not fully confirmed at the time of early coverage.
- Not all winners attended in person; some acceptance speeches were pre-recorded or delivered remotely, and attendance details varied by category.
Bottom line
The 2025 VMAs balanced career-spanning honors and breakout moments: Mariah Carey’s Vanguard salute and Gaga’s Artist of the Year win headline a show that also elevated Latin and hip-hop legacies while recognizing rising international talent. Expect continued streaming and social momentum for award winners in the days following the broadcast.