MTV 2025: Ariana Grande, Tyla Shine At Award Ceremony

MTV 2025: Ariana Grande, Tyla Shine At Award Ceremony

Ariana Grande captured the top prize at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, winning Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead”, which also earned Best Pop Song at the star-studded event near New York City.

Visibly moved as she accepted the night’s most prestigious award, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter and actor offered a heartfelt tribute to her fans, praising them as “fiercely loving and supportive.”

Lady Gaga was another standout winner, clinching Artist of the Year over heavyweights like Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd.

The 39-year-old paused her ongoing concert tour to accept the award live on stage and also picked up Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars for “Die with a Smile.”

Meanwhile, Rose, pursuing a solo career after her rise with K-pop sensation Blackpink, claimed Song of the Year for “APT”, a track co-written with Bruno Mars. Sabrina Carpenter also shone, taking home Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet.”

The ceremony leaned into nostalgia, with throwback-styled performances by Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin, while younger stars such as Doja Cat and Tate McRae infused their sets with choreography inspired by the 1980s and 1990s.

In a surprising twist, Kendrick Lamar—who dominated this year’s Grammys with five awards—walked away empty-handed despite several nominations.

Unlike last year’s politically charged ceremony, where Taylor Swift urged fans to support Kamala Harris, this year’s VMAs steered clear of overt political statements.