Beyoncé’s pregnancy reveal, Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, Brittney Spears performing with a live snake around her neck, *NSYNC reuniting – all these iconic, jaw-dropping moments have one thing in common: the Video Music Awards (VMAs). The VMAs have earned themselves a reputation, one that revolves around leaving viewers star-struck and providing them with a chance to develop a deep sense of respect for artists of all genres. The 2025 VMAs hosted by LL Cool J certainly didn’t stray from its roots, so here are the highlights:
Best dressed:
“KPop Demon Hunters” has taken the world by storm. With its catchy and electric songs as well as its captivating plot and characters, this animated film is Netflix’s most-watched movie, and it’s easy to see why. The HUNTR/X queens, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, took to the red carpet at this year’s VMAs and they were shining like they were born to be. However, dressed in a black, leather minidress layered with a floor-length black puffer jacket and an intricate traditional Korean hairpiece, Nuna captivated fans and photographers the most with her look. She even paid homage to her character Mira, who wore a very similar outfit to the Met Gala in the movie, stunning fans with her look.
Best performance:
From winning her first-ever Grammy to having her newest album Man’s Best Friend debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200, there seems to be no end in sight to Sabrina Carpenter’s success, and her performance at this year’s VMAs certainly didn’t disappoint. It was exhilarating – dancing and singing her heart out to her newest single, “Tears,” on a set that resembled the streets of ’90s New York City; Carpenter’s joy was radiating through the screen and the disco-pop beats left the audience on their feet. Wearing retro, eye-catching outfits, she danced alongside her numerous trans and drag queens, making sure to use her platform to advocate for their rights. Taking things to the next level, she even channeled her inner Britney Spears, wearing a similar bejeweled bra and having a dance break in the rain, emphasizing her growing status as a pop queen.
Best speech:
No matter the genre or type of award show, one key staple that is always present is the speeches. As one of the best parts of any show, speeches can give viewers all the more reason to enhance their appreciation for those they look up to. This year, Ariana Grande delivered a beautifully written speech when accepting the award for Video of the Year that emphasized the importance of pushing through struggles and continuing onwards, reminding them that there will be “brighter days ahead.” After thanking her fans for supporting her through various endeavors and paths she chooses to follow, she gave hope to countless supporters and did so by putting a smile on their faces.
Biggest twist:
The Best New Artist award usually goes to the artist who has pushed the barriers of music, using it in a way to challenge the norms of society, while making a significant impact on not just the music industry but also listeners. This year, the award went to Alex Warren, an artist whose songs, such as “Ordinary” and “Eternity,” have gone viral on the internet. However, another singer and songwriter was more deserving of this award. With his raw and poignant lyrics, Sombr is able to deliver feelings of heartbreak and longing in a matter of seconds, leaving listeners craving more. Sombr has the creative capabilities and beautifully unhinged personality that intertwine perfectly, making him more deserving of this award.
Historic Moment:
This past July, the rock n’ roll world lost one of the most revolutionary musicians of all time – Ozzy Osborne. The “Prince of Darkness” cemented himself as a heavy metal legend with his hits “Crazy Train,” “Paranoid,” “Take What You Want” and countless others with his band Black Sabbath. At this year’s VMAs, YUNGBLUD, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Nuno Bettencourt performed a medley of Osborne’s most impactful songs, and did so with style. Accompanied by phenomenal guitar riffs and mind-rattling drum solos, these artists all poured their hearts out to honor their dear friend, reminding us all of the essence and importance of rock n’ roll.
Best Surprise:
When many hear the name Lady Gaga, the first thought that comes to mind is icon. She has broken through numerous walls, challenging both social and cultural norms and continues to do so, even at the VMAs. Everyone knew she was set to perform, yet what we all didn’t know was that she was going to do it live from Madison Square Garden. Performing her hit singles “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance,” she danced her soul out on top of a blood-red Elizabethan ball gown that towered at least 10 feet in the air for her first song before she did the fastest outfit change known to man, and ended the set off by performing the same hypnotic choreography as she did in her latest music video directed by Tim Burton. Inspiring the audience to match her vibe, Gaga provided viewers with the experience of a lifetime and reminded everyone why she truly is a pop legend.
The 2025 VMAs were certainly one for the record books; from stellar performances to speeches, they were the epitome of what an award show truly is.
