The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday night, September 7, at Long Island’s UBS Arena. Lady Gaga led the field with 12 nominations, and she came away the night’s biggest winner, taking home four Moon Person trophies. She did not, however, win Video of the Year, which went to Ariana Grande, for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Grande won two other awards, and Sabrina Carpenter also took home three trophies.

LL Cool J hosted the VMAs. The show featured performances from Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Video Vanguard winner Mariah Carey , and others.

Follow along with all of Pitchfork’s coverage of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards .

Video of the Year, Presented by Burger King®

WINNER: Ariana Grande - Brighter Days Ahead

Billie Eilish - Birds of a Feather

Kendrick Lamar - N

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