Takeaways and winners of 2025 VMAs : NPR

[ad_1] <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1687+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4c%2F6e%2F6b80913b4e4785512be4df4f9505%2Fvma25-trio.png" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1687+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4c%2F6e%2F6b80913b4e4785512be4df4f9505%2Fvma25-trio.png" class="img" alt="Side-by-side photos of Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes at Sunday's VMAs. " fetchpriority="high"/> Woman Gaga, Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes have been among the many stars who carried out — and took residence awards — at Sunday night time's MTV Video Music Awards. Manny Carabel (2) and Arturo Holmes/Getty Photographs for MTV disguise caption

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Manny Carabel (2) and Arturo Holmes/Getty Photographs for MTV A number of the largest names in music assembled in New York Sunday night time for the time-honored custom of the MTV Video Music Awards, solely this time on a fair greater stage.

Along with the cable channel that created it, the VMAs additionally aired reside on CBS (and its streaming service Paramount+) for the primary time in its 41-year historical past.

The transfer seeks to develop the award present's attain after final 12 months's milestone fortieth anniversary broadcast, which CBS says "delivered its largest multi-network viewers in 4 years … and ranked as essentially the most social VMAs in present historical past."

Notably, this 12 months brings the VMAs — generally known as "the Tremendous Bowl for youth" — to the published community with the oldest primetime viewers.

The present made some adjustments this time round, like including two new award classes — finest pop artist and finest nation — to highlight rising expertise whereas additionally honoring a slew of veteran stars, like Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin.

And whereas the numbers aren't in but, this 12 months's VMAs definitely had their share of viral pink carpet moments (see: Doja Cat taking a chew out of her lipstick), onstage performances (together with Tate McRae's impassioned dance break) and acceptance speech sound bites (like Rosé and Ariana Grande every thanking their therapists ("and homosexual individuals," in Grande's case).

Here is a have a look at a number of the highlights.

Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes get their long-awaited honors <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6810x4834+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2Fba%2Fffedddab4215bb48725c6d113182%2Fgettyimages-2233689095.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6810x4834+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2Fba%2Fffedddab4215bb48725c6d113182%2Fgettyimages-2233689095.jpg" class="img" alt="Ariana Grande bows down to Mariah Carey as she presents her the Video Vanguard Award during the MTV VMAs on Sunday night." loading="lazy"/> Ariana Grande bows all the way down to Mariah Carey as she presents her the Video Vanguard Award through the MTV VMAs on Sunday night time. Angela Weiss/AFP by way of Getty Photographs disguise caption

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Angela Weiss/AFP by way of Getty Photographs Carey graced the stage in a glimmering gold bodysuit to carry out a medley of her hits earlier than Ariana Grande actually bowed down and introduced her with essentially the most prestigious award of the night time: the Video Vanguard Award.

It was Carey's first VMA look in 20 years, and the primary time she's gained a "Moon Particular person" trophy — a snub she had joked about years earlier. Regardless of her soon-to-be-16 studio albums and 6 Grammy awards, it wasn't till Sunday that Carey gained her first Moon Particular person trophy, when "Kind Harmful" was topped the perfect R&B video through the pre-show.

"I am unable to imagine I am getting my first VMA tonight," Carey later mentioned whereas accepting the lifetime achievement award. "I simply have one query: What within the Sam Hill have been you ready for?"

As the gang cheered, Carey clarified that she was kidding earlier than reminiscing on a few of her favourite reminiscences from previous VMAs and her huge catalogue of music movies, from taking part in her personal stalker in Obsessed to creating a romantic, James Bond-esque escape in Honey.

"In spite of everything this time, I've discovered that music evolves, movies evolve, however the enjoyable — that's everlasting," she mentioned.

Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes additionally lastly acquired his flowers, after performing an impassioned mashup of his hit songs — together with "Break Ya Neck," "Contact It" and "Situation" — joined by rappers Joyner Lucas, Papoose and GloRilla, all wearing pink leather-based ensembles.

LL Cool J introduced him with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award. It is Rhymes' first win, regardless of being nominated for 16 VMAs all through his profession.

"Y'all know I normally do these lengthy speeches, I am not gonna do one as we speak," the rapper and file producer mentioned in his speech. "However subsequent time y'all take 35 years to offer me one in every of these, y'all gonna let me speak so long as I need!"

Rhymes went on to pay tribute to the "late, nice, unbelievable royal empress" Ananda Lewis, the previous MTV VJ who died of breast most cancers earlier this 12 months.

"I believe all of us have to acknowledge the unbelievable girl [who] liked us once we got here to MTV through the '90s," he mentioned. "She liked us, she liked the tradition [and] she lifted us up."

Sabrina Carpenter spotlights drag queens <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fdd%2Fc038d209470f88d214fe35d157c6%2Fgettyimages-2234215724.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fdd%2Fc038d209470f88d214fe35d157c6%2Fgettyimages-2234215724.jpg" class="img" alt="Sabrina Carpenter used her VMA performance, featuring well-known drag queens, to stand up for transgender rights." loading="lazy"/> Sabrina Carpenter used her VMA efficiency, that includes well-known drag queens, to face up for transgender rights. Arturo Holmes/Getty Photographs disguise caption

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Arturo Holmes/Getty Photographs Carpenter carried out the music "Tears" from her lately launched album Man's Finest Good friend for the primary time, standing up — and dancing — for transgender rights within the course of.

She turned the stage right into a slice of Eighties-era New York Metropolis: coming into by a pothole, getting fake-flashed by a person in a trench coat, singing from a telephone sales space and pulling off a rain-drenched dance break, flanked by bare-chested law enforcement officials.

Carpenter was joined onstage by backup dancers and a lot of high-profile RuPaul's Drag Race queens posing as well-choreographed protesters. They held up indicators with slogans like "Help native drag," "Shield trans rights" and "For those who hate you may by no means get laid."

Later, after successful finest album for 2024's Brief n' Candy, Carpenter thanked "my queens onstage with me tonight."

"This world, as everyone knows, could be so filled with criticism and discrimination and negativity," she mentioned. "So to get to be a part of … one thing that may carry you mild, make you smile, make you dance, and make you're feeling just like the world is [yours], I am so grateful. So grateful to do this."

Ricky Martin makes historical past <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F4e%2F616330c64d47bc2ca19cbbdcc7f0%2Fgettyimages-2234211880.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F4e%2F616330c64d47bc2ca19cbbdcc7f0%2Fgettyimages-2234211880.jpg" class="img" alt="Ricky Martin performed before receiving the show's first-ever Latin Icon Award." loading="lazy"/> Ricky Martin carried out earlier than receiving the present's first-ever Latin Icon Award. Manny Carabel/Getty Photographs disguise caption

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Manny Carabel/Getty Photographs Ricky Martin additionally carried out, descending onstage in a cage to sing "Livin' la Vida Loca" and different hits earlier than receiving the present's inaugural Latin Icon Award.

It was introduced by Jessica Simpson, who opened for Martin on his Livin' la Vida Loca tour in 1999.

"That is for you all. Thanks a lot in your applause. I'm hooked on your applause, that is why I preserve coming again," Martin mentioned. "It has been 40 years. I began once I was a child, working, and we're nonetheless right here."

He devoted the award to his 4 youngsters, saying, "All the pieces I do, I do with you in my thoughts and my coronary heart."

A rocking tribute to Ozzy Osbourne <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc9%2F01%2F7544a6464334849dead6cdf7b030%2Fgettyimages-2234222785.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc9%2F01%2F7544a6464334849dead6cdf7b030%2Fgettyimages-2234222785.jpg" class="img" alt="Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry performed a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne." loading="lazy"/> Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry carried out a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. Arturo Holmes/Getty Photographs disguise caption

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Arturo Holmes/Getty Photographs Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, English singer Yungblud and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt joined forces to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath frontman who died in July at age 76.

The late heavy metallic icon's son Jack launched the act along with his 4 youngsters in a pre-recorded video, saying he wished he could possibly be there in individual and that he is aware of it could make his dad "extremely pleased to see these nice musicians keep it up his legacy and assist encourage the subsequent era of rockers."

"Within the phrases of our papa — let's go loopy!" the members of the family concluded in unison.

Onstage, Yungblud sang "Loopy Prepare" and "Modifications," accompanied by Bettencourt. He then joined the Aerosmith members to sing "Mama, I am Coming House," ending with a bunch hug and a cry of "Ozzy ceaselessly, man!"

Woman Gaga's monstrous multitasking <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2Ffc%2F8edb0ec247f3a60c99a88786e5ec%2Fgettyimages-2234223160.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F49%2Ffc%2F8edb0ec247f3a60c99a88786e5ec%2Fgettyimages-2234223160.jpg" class="img" alt="Lady Gaga's performance plays on a video onstage. " loading="lazy"/> Woman Gaga was one of many night time's performers, at the same time as she placed on her personal live performance at Madison Sq. Backyard. Mike Coppola/Getty Photographs disguise caption

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Mike Coppola/Getty Photographs Woman Gaga was the night time's most-nominated artist, with 12 nods. She gained 4, bringing her profession complete to 22 wins — the third-most behind Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.

However maybe much more spectacular was how she managed to be in two locations directly. Gaga began the night time by accepting the award for artist of the 12 months.

"I can not start to inform you how a lot this award means to me," she mentioned in a visibly emotional speech, dedicating it to her followers and her fiancé.

She concluded: "I want I may keep and watch all these wonderful performances, however I've to return to Madison Sq. Backyard."

Then she booked it out of UBS Enviornment in Lengthy Island to Manhattan's Madison Sq. Backyard, the place she was scheduled to carry out at her Mayhem Ball tour in entrance of a sold-out crowd — regardless of being marketed as one of many VMAs performers.

Woman Gaga managed the balancing act like a bona fide magician, because of a gorgeously grotesque pre-recorded efficiency of "Abracadabra" and "The Lifeless Dance" at Madison Sq. Backyard that performed through the VMAs.

Here is the total checklist of winners: <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5840x3893+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb5%2F33%2Fe0ae76984ea79b83ceedd5eccfff%2Fgettyimages-2234226865.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5840x3893+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb5%2F33%2Fe0ae76984ea79b83ceedd5eccfff%2Fgettyimages-2234226865.jpg" class="img" alt="Ariana Grande accepts the Video of the Year Award for “Brighter Days Ahead” onstage during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images for MTV)" loading="lazy"/> Ariana Grande accepts the Video of the Yr Award for "Brighter Days Forward" at Sunday's VMAs. Manny Carabel/Getty Photographs disguise caption

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Manny Carabel/Getty Photographs Video of the 12 months: Ariana Grande — "brighter days forward"Artist of the 12 months: Woman GagaSong of the 12 months: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars — "APT."Finest new artist: Alex WarrenBest pop artist: Sabrina CarpenterBest pop: Ariana Grande, "brighter days forward"Finest album: Sabrina Carpenter — "Brief n' Candy"Finest collaboration: Woman Gaga & Bruno Mars — "Die With A Smile"Finest hip hop: Doechii — "Nervousness"Finest R&B: Mariah Carey — "Kind Harmful"Finest nation: Megan Moroney, "Am I Okay?"Finest Ok-pop: Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye, "Born Once more"Finest different: Sombr, "Again to Buddies"Finest rock: Coldplay, "All My Love"Finest Latin: Shakira, "Soltera"Finest Afrobeats: Tyla, "Push 2 Begin"MTV Push Efficiency of the Yr: KATSEYE, "Contact"Finest long-form video: Ariana Grande — "brighter days forward"Video for good: Charli xcx — "Guess that includes Billie Eilish"Finest route: Woman Gaga — "Abracadabra"Finest artwork route: Woman Gaga — "Abracadabra"Finest cinematography: Kendrick Lamar — "Not Like Us"Finest modifying: Tate McRae — "Simply Preserve Watching (From F1 The Film)"Finest choreography: Doechii — "Nervousness"Finest visible results: Sabrina Carpenter — "Manchild"Track of the summer season: Tate McRae — "Simply Preserve Watching (From F1 The Film)"Finest group: BLACKPINK [ad_2] Source link