The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena in New York on Sept. 7, with LL Cool J hosting and South African star Tyla making history by winning Best Afrobeats for her smash hit “PUSH 2 START.”

Her victory over Afrobeats heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and Tems marked one of the night’s biggest global highlights.

The show also saw some of music’s biggest names take home Moon Person trophies across major categories.

Major Awards

• Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
• Song of the Year: ROSÉ and Bruno Mars – “APT.”
• Best New Artist: Alex Warren
• Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
• Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin
• Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey
• Rock the Bells Visionary Award: Busta Rhymes

Genre Highlights

• Best Pop: Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
• Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
• Best R&B: Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous”
• Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – “Anxiety”
• Best Country: Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
• Best Alternative: Sombr – “Back to Friends”
• Song of Summer: Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching”
• Best K-pop: LISA ft. Doja Cat and RAYE – “Born Again”
• Best Latin: Shakira – “Soltera”
• Best Group: Blackpink
• Best Rock: Coldplay – “ALL MY LOVE”
• Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter

From Tyla’s groundbreaking win to Lady Gaga’s sweep as Artist of the Year and Mariah Carey’s Video Vanguard honor, the 2025 VMAs proved to be a night celebrating both global dominance and fresh new voices.