2025 MTV VMAs: Mariah Carey’s Vindication, Sabrina Carpenter’s Protest, and a Night of Iconic Moments

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered a spectacle that blended nostalgia, activism, and pure star power, as music’s biggest names descended on the stage Sunday night. Broadcast across CBS, MTV, Paramount+, and other platforms, the ceremony—hosted by the eternally cool LL Cool J—was a masterclass in reinvention, honoring legends while propelling the next generation into the spotlight. From Doja Cat’s synth-laced throwback to Mariah Carey’s long-overdue coronation, here are the moments that defined the night.

Doja Cat and Kenny G Kick Off the Show with an ’80s Fever Dream

The evening opened not with a whimper but with a saxophone blast. As LL Cool J wrapped his monologue, Doja Cat appeared in a Max Headroom-style video before launching into “Jealous Type,” her latest single. The performance leaned heavily into a retro synth-pop aesthetic, complete with a live sax intro by Kenny G that sent fans into a frenzy. Dressed in a white crop top and black pants, Doja commanded the stage, weaving through pink and blue lights while encouraging the crowd to sing along. It was a bold, campy start that set the tone for a night of high-concept artistry.

Ricky Martin Accepts the Inaugural Latin Icon Award with Explosive Energy

Ricky Martin didn’t just accept an award—he owned the room. Introduced by J Balvin, the global superstar performed a medley starting with “Livin’ La Vida Loca” before tearing through a string of hits. The Latin Icon Award, a new honor celebrating his four-decade career selling over 70 million albums, felt overdue but deeply earned. Martin’s performance was a reminder of his enduring influence, blending high-octane dance moves with genuine emotional resonance as he roamed through the audience.

Rosé Wins Song of the Year: A Victory for Her 16-Year-Old Self

Blackpink’s Rosé took home Song of the Year for “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars, a track that has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for 45 weeks. Draped in a butter-yellow gown, the 28-year-old K-pop star dedicated the trophy to her younger self, acknowledging the fear of letting that 16-year-old dreamer down. Her speech was a heartfelt nod to resilience, thanking The Black Label and Atlantic Records—but saving the most important thanks for herself. It was a moment of genuine vulnerability that resonated across the arena.

Busta Rhymes Delivers a Career-Spanning Medley and a Fiery Speech

Busta Rhymes received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award after a blistering medley of “Gimme Some More,” “Scenario,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” and “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II.” Joined by Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and GloRilla, Busta brought the house down with relentless energy. Accepting the award, he quipped, “Next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, they’re gonna let me talk as long as I want.” It was classic Busta—unfiltered, grateful, and utterly magnetic.

Tate McRae Turns Up the Heat with “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car”

Taking a break from her Miss Possessive Tour, Tate McRae performed a medley from her album So Close to What. Starting in a white two-piece, she executed the now-viral backbend leg extension from the “Revolving Door” video, then launched into “Sports Car” amid explosive pyrotechnics. This was her first main-stage VMA performance, and she made every second count, blending athleticism with pop precision.

Sabrina Carpenter Uses Her Debut Performance to Advocate for Trans Rights

Sabrina Carpenter turned her debut VMA performance of “Tears” into a powerful statement. Set on a recreation of a ’90s New York street, she was joined by drag queens including Honey Balenciaga, Symone, and Dashaun Wesley. As they danced, performers carried signs reading “Protect Trans Rights” and “In Trans We Trust.” The choreography, inspired by the music video featuring Colman Domingo, was a seamless fusion of artistry and activism—a reminder that the VMAs have long been a platform for bold statements.

Ozzy Osbourne Remembered: A Tribute Fit for the Prince of Darkness

Just over a month after Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76, the VMAs honored him with a heartfelt tribute. Introduced via pretaped video by his son Jack and four daughters, the segment featured Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt performing a medley of Sabbath classics. Jack noted that seeing these musicians carry on his father’s legacy would “make me incredibly happy.” The performance was both celebratory and poignant, a fitting farewell to a rock icon.

Mariah Carey Finally Gets Her VMA—and a Joke About the Wait

After eight nominations and decades of dominance, Mariah Carey finally received her first MTV Video Music Award: the Video Vanguard Award. Following a medley of hits—including “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” and the “Fantasy” remix with Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s audio—Carey took the stage and deadpanned, “What in the Sam Hill took you so long?!” It was a moment of pure, earned triumph. Her performance reminded everyone why she is one of the best-selling artists of all time, and the award felt like a long-overdue coronation.

Lady Gaga Brings the Mayhem Ball to the VMAs from Madison Square Garden

In a unique broadcast moment, Lady Gaga’s performance of “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance” from her Mayhem Ball tour at Madison Square Garden was beamed into the VMA broadcast. Introduced by Rosé, Gaga towered over dancers in a massive red ballgown, then descended into a cage to emerge with gray curls for the new Wednesday Season 2 track. The arena runway, the dancers, the choreography—it was a cinematic showcase that made viewers feel they were in the Garden themselves.

Other Highlights and a Look Ahead

• KPop Demon Hunters singers Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna presented Album of the Year to Sabrina Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet.
• Tate McRae’s viral backbend trend continued to dominate TikTok after her performance.
• The night’s production design leaned heavily into retro futurism, from Doja Cat’s ’80s visuals to Carpenter’s ’90s street scene.

The 2025 VMAs proved that even in an era of fragmented media, the awards show can still be a cultural lightning rod. With a mix of legacy acts and rising stars, the broadcast celebrated not just music but the power of live performance—and the industry’s ongoing evolution.

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