2025 MTV VMAs: The Night Mariah Carey Finally Got Her VMA, Ozzy Osbourne Got a Tribute, and Sabrina Carpenter Got Political

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered a night that will be remembered for its emotional high points, long-overdue honors, and surprise political statements. Hosted by the irrepressible LL Cool J, the ceremony aired live across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+, drawing a massive global audience. From a tearful Rosé accepting Song of the Year to a raucous tribute for the late Ozzy Osbourne, the VMAs once again proved they are the pop culture event of the fall. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most unforgettable moments.

Doja Cat and Kenny G Bring the ’80s Back to the VMAs

Doja Cat kicked off the show with a performance that was equal parts nostalgia and genre-bending. Introduced via a Max Headroom-inspired video, the rapper-singer launched into “Jealous Type,” a new track that leans heavily into synth-pop and saxophone-laden production. The real surprise came when legendary smooth-jazz saxophonist Kenny G joined her onstage, delivering a signature wailing solo that set the tone for the entire evening. Dressed in a white crop top and black pants, Doja moved across a stage bathed in electric pink and blue lights, encouraging fans to sing along. The performance not only showcased her versatility but also highlighted the VMAs’ willingness to fuse disparate musical eras.

Ricky Martin Receives the Inaugural Latin Icon Award

Ricky Martin has been a global superstar for over four decades, and the VMAs finally gave him his due. The singer was presented with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, a recognition of his role in bringing Latin music and culture to the mainstream. Before accepting, Martin delivered a high-voltage medley that kicked off with “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and moved through a string of his biggest hits. J Balvin introduced him, setting the stage for a performance that had the audience singing and dancing in the aisles. With over 70 million albums sold and a career that spans music, acting, and humanitarian work, Martin’s honor felt both historic and overdue.

Rosé Wins Song of the Year and Dedicates It to Her Younger Self

The K-pop juggernaut continued its VMA dominance as Blackpink’s Rosé took home Song of the Year for her Bruno Mars-assisted hit “APT.” The track has spent an incredible 45 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat that underscores the global reach of K-pop. Dressed in a butter yellow gown, Rosé appeared genuinely ecstatic as she made her way to the stage. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her teams at The Black Label and Atlantic Records, but the most poignant moment came when she dedicated the award to her 16-year-old self. “I was afraid I would let her down,” she confessed, a moment of vulnerability that resonated deeply with fans. The win solidifies Rosé’s status as a solo force beyond Blackpink.

Busta Rhymes Delivers a High-Energy Medley and a Visionary Award Speech

Busta Rhymes has been a hip-hop icon for decades, and the VMAs recognized his influence with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Before accepting, Rhymes performed a blistering medley of hits including “Gimme Some More,” “Scenario,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” and “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II.” He was joined by Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and GloRilla, who each added their own flavor. The performance was a masterclass in stage presence. Accepting the award, Rhymes joked, “Next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, they’re gonna let me talk as long as I want.” He also paid tribute to Ananda Lewis, a poignant moment that grounded the high-energy night.

Tate McRae Heats Up the Stage with “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car”

Tate McRae took a break from her Miss Possessive Tour to deliver a medley that left little to the imagination. Performing “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car” from her album So Close to What, McRae showcased her signature blend of flawless choreography and raw vocal power. She started in a white two-piece set and stripped down to underwear as her backup dancers surrounded her. The performance marked her first main-stage VMA appearance, and she made it count. The backbend leg extension from the “Revolving Door” music video—already a viral TikTok trend—drew cheers, while sparks and fire erupted during “Sports Car.” McRae is undeniably one of pop’s most exciting live performers.

Sabrina Carpenter Uses Her VMA Platform to Advocate for Trans Rights

In a night full of spectacle, Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of “Tears” carried a powerful political message. Set on an outdoor stage designed to evoke 1990s New York City, Carpenter was joined by a troupe of drag queens including Honey Balenciaga, Symone, and Dashaun Wesley. The performance mirrored the music video, which features Colman Domingo in drag, and incorporated male dancers in police uniforms. As Carpenter sang, the drag queens carried picket signs reading “Protect Trans Rights” and “In Trans We Trust.” It was a bold statement that resonated far beyond the arena. Carpenter has increasingly used her platform for advocacy, and this VMA moment was no exception.

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt Unite

Just over a month after the death of Ozzy Osbourne at age 76, the VMAs honored the Prince of Darkness with a touching tribute. Ozzy’s son, Jack, introduced the segment via a pre-taped video alongside his four daughters. “I know my dad would be incredibly happy to see these great musicians carry on his legacy,” Jack said. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined Yungblud and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt for a high-energy set that celebrated Ozzy’s catalog. The performance was a reminder of Ozzy’s indelible mark on rock and metal, and the audience honored his memory with a roaring ovation.

Mariah Carey Finally Gets Her VMA: Video Vanguard Award

In one of the most talked-about moments of the night, Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award—her very first MTV Video Music Award after decades of nominations. The singer performed a medley of her greatest hits, including “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” “We Belong Together,” and the remix of “Fantasy” featuring the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s iconic rap intro. Accepting the award, Carey joked, “What in the Sam Hill took you so long?!” The crowd erupted. It was a long-overdue honor for a woman whose music videos defined the MTV era. The moment also highlighted a persistent criticism of the VMAs: that they have often overlooked legendary artists during their prime.

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Stars Present Album of the Year

The VMAs also served as a promotional platform for the hit Netflix and Sony Animation film KPop Demon Hunters. Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna—who voice characters Rumi, Zoey, and Mira—took the stage to present the Album of the Year award. The award went to Sabrina Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet. The trio, who had just come from a karaoke party at the Toronto International Film Festival, brought energy and excitement to the evening. Their appearance underscores the growing intersection between K-pop, animation, and Hollywood.

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

Closing out the night, Lady Gaga delivered a remote performance from her Mayhem Ball tour at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Introduced by Rosé, Gaga performed “Abracadabra” and the new single “The Dead Dance” from Wednesday season two, part two. The segment was cinematic: Gaga towered over a cage of dancers in a massive red ballgown, then descended into the cage to emerge with signature gray curls. As she sang “Do the dead dance,” she ran down a long runway, her dancers following. It was a theatrical end to a night that celebrated music’s past, present, and future.

The 2025 MTV VMAs will be remembered as a night of firsts—Mariah Carey’s first VMA, the first Latin Icon Award, and a powerful statement for trans rights during prime time. As the music industry continues to evolve, the VMAs remain a cultural touchstone, for better or worse. If anything, this year’s show proved that true legends never stop fighting for their due—and that the next generation of artists is ready to carry the torch.

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