The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards brought the music world to UBS Arena in New York on Sunday, Sept. 7, with LL Cool J as host and a lineup that was pure spectacle. From powerhouse performances to history-making wins, this years VMAs leaned into queer icons, fan-favorite allies, and the artists pushing culture forward.Lady Gaga dominated nominations going in with 12, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year. She walked away victorious, snagging Artist of the Year and cementing her role as the nights main event. Gaga also hit the stage with Bruno Mars for their soaring duet Die With A Smile, which had the crowd on its feet.Queer artists and allies were front and center throughout the night. Sabrina Carpenter delivered her viral hit Manchild, while ROS, one of K-pops brightest stars, shared the spotlight with Mars on APT. Alex Warren, who has been open about his queer identity, had a breakout moment after winning Best New Artist. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey and Ricky Martintwo legends beloved by LGBTQ+ fanswere honored with special performances.Other major winners included Tate McRae, who secured Song of the Summer for Just Keep Watching from F1: The Movie, and sombr, who took home Best Alternative for back to friends. Mariah Carey added another accolade to her career with Best R&B for Type Dangerous.The shows fashion moments were just as memorable, with Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Charli xcx all bringing distinct style to the pink carpet.Below is the full list of winners and nominees across the nights top categories:Artist of the YearBad BunnyBeyoncKendrick LamarLady Gaga WINNERMorgan WallenTaylor SwiftThe WeekndVideo of the YearAriana Grande brighter days aheadBillie Eilish Birds of a FeatherKendrick Lamar Not Like UsLady Gaga & Bruno Mars Die With A SmileROS & Bruno Mars APT.Sabrina Carpenter ManchildThe Weeknd & Playboi Carti TimelessSong of the YearAlex Warren OrdinaryBillie Eilish Birds of a FeatherDoechii AnxietyEd Sheeran SapphireGracie Abrams I Love You, Im SorryLady Gaga & Bruno Mars Die With A SmileLorde What Was ThatROS & Bruno Mars APT.Tate McRae Sports CarThe Weeknd & Playboi Carti TimelessBest New ArtistAlex Warren WINNERElla LangleyGigi PerezLola Youngsombr FINALISTThe Maras FINALISTBest R&BChris Brown ResidualsLeon Thomas & Freddie Gibbs MUTT (Remix)Mariah Carey Type Dangerous WINNERPARTYNEXTDOOR N o C h i l lSummer Walker Heart of a WomanSZA DriveThe Weeknd & Playboi Carti TimelessBest AlternativeGigi Perez Sailor SongImagine Dragons Wake UpLola Young Messymgk & Jelly Roll Lonely Roadsombr back to friends WINNERThe Maras Back to MeSong of the SummerAddison Rae Headphones OnAlex Warren OrdinaryBenson Boone Mystical MagicalBigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman All The WayChappell Roan The SubwayDemi Lovato FastDoja Cat Jealous TypeJessie Murph Blue StripsJustin Bieber DaisiesMOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)Morgan Wallen ft. Tate McRae What I WantRavyn Lenae ft. Rex Orange County Love Me NotSabrina Carpenter Manchildsombr 12 to 12Tate McRae Just Keep Watching WINNERThe VMAs once again proved themselves to be a night where pop meets politics, queerness meets mainstream, and fans get the moments theyll be replaying for weeks.Source