Lady Gaga kicked off the MTV Video Music Awards with a win for artist of the year, immediately setting the night’s tone.
The show’s top nominee promised a performance later and delivered, hitting the stage at Madison Square Garden after her acceptance speech, which sent the audience into a frenzy at the UBS Arena where the VMAs were being held.
In her earlier remarks, Gaga stressed the deeper meaning of artistry.
“Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world,” she said. “Being an artist is a discipline and craft into reaching someone’s heart where it grows its roots, reminding them to dream. Being an artist is a responsibility to smile, dance, cry.”
She dedicated the award to her fans and paid homage to her partner, Michael Polansky.
“Creating with you has been a beautiful thing,” she said.
Mariah Carey basked in the love of her fans and reflected on her storied career as she accepted the Video Vanguard Award. Ariana Grande presented the honor with a heartfelt tribute, calling Carey “the soundtrack of our lives.”
Grande then added “As a vocalist, there’s only one queen. And that’s Mariah.”
While taking the stage in a satin gold robe that gave way to a glittering bodysuit and matching heels, Carey delivered a career-spanning medley of hits from “Fantasy” to “We Belong Together” to “Obsessed.” The performance also spotlighted tracks from her landmark 10th album, “The Emancipation of Mimi,” which recently turned 20.
“I can't believe I'm getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey said before she jokingly asked. “I have one question: What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for? I'm just kidding. Thank you. I love you.”
Ricky Martin received the first-ever Latin Icon Award following an electric performance on the main stage. He spoke about his 40-year career in music, dedicating the award to his four kids.
Martin’s set served as an anniversary tribute coming 25 years after his breakout VMAs debut in 1999, when he made history as the first male Latin artist to win best pop video.
“I started when I was a baby working and we’re still here,” he marveled, adding: “We just want to unite countries, we just want to break boundaries, and we just want to keep music alive.”
The VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, kicked off with a freewheeling spirit. During Cool J’s opening monologue, a video of Doja Cat mimicking ’80s MTV personality Max Headroom interrupted him. Her message transitioned seamlessly into a performance that kicked off with a solo by Kenny G.
Doja Cat, who was seen casually chewing on her lipstick on the red carpet, pranced across the stage performing “Jealous Type” to raucous applause.
Going into the show, history was on the line with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé vying to become the most awarded artist in VMAs history. Each have 30 and were only nominated in the artist of the year category, so Gaga's win will leave them tied for another year.
The late Ozzy Osbourne will be celebrated in fitting fashion when some of rock's biggest names take the stage in his honor. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, British firebrand YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt will unite to deliver a medley of Osbourne’s greatest hits, a tribute that underscores his impact on generations of musicians.
Busta Rhymes received the first ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award during the show and performed a medley of his hits.
Other performers included Conan Gray, Tate McRae, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Alex Warren, J Balvin, Sabrina Carpenter and sombr.
The 2025 MTV VMAs will be broadcast by CBS for the first time. It will also be simulcast on MTV and available for streaming on Paramount+ in the United States.
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AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed reporting from New York.
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