Music lovers love supporting their favorite artists, and the MTV VMAs are an excellent way for them to do so. On Sept. 7, the 2025 VMAs took place, hosted by LL Cool J. Celebrities and music artists in attendance included Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga.
New attendees also came, including Alex Warren, singer and songwriter of “Ordinary,” and 20 year old Sombr, who made “back to friends.”. New global girl group KATSEYE also came, presenting “Gnarly.” All of these new groups performed during the show.
Andrea Gonzalez, a freshman at Sage Creek and KATSEYE fan, found herself amazed by the group. “One of the best parts was the extended dance of ‘Gnarly’ by KATSEYE,” She thought that the performance was one of their best, as the group’s energy and skill were on display.
Other performances include Tate McRae, executing an intense and impressive dance choreography to “Sports Car.” She and many other dancers showcased their talent while in a pile of sand. Conan Gray accomplished a Romeo & Juliet scene while singing his song “Vodka Cranberry,” a single on his new album “Wishbone.” He wore a dark red cape with stunning gold designs, with a matching sash. Lady Gaga did a beautifully bright and red performance for “Abracadabra,” in a huge yet remarkable dress, while also live debuting “The Dead Dance.”
Sabrina Carpenter performed an extraordinary production of a song on her newest album, “Man’s Best Friend.” The song was her second single on the album, “Tears.” Doja Cat performed “Jealous Type.”
For the actual awards, Ariana Grande went home with two major wins, “Video of the Year” and “Best Pop,” both for her song “brighter days ahead.” Those were her first music-related awards in seven years.
Artist of the Year was handed to Lady Gaga, while Best New Artist was awarded to Alex Warren. Alex Warren’s new music has impacted many people with his sudden rise to fame.
Taylor Adams, a freshman at Carlsbad High School, was moved by Warren’s on-stage presence.
“One of his best performances was at the 2025 VMAs, when he performed ‘Ordinary’ with a choir, harpist and a moonlit stage,” said Adams. “It wasn’t just beautiful, it showed his growth as an artist and how deeply he feels every word.”
The Song of the Year was awarded to ROSE and Bruno Mars for “APT,” and the Best Alternative award was given to Sombr.
Although the nominations for Song of the Summer had some great competitors, including Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, Ravyn Lenae and even fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, Tate McRae won with “Just Keep Watching” from the Formula 1 movie. KATSEYE achieved the PUSH Performance of the Year award for their song “Touch.”
Sabrina Carpenter left with two awards, one for Best Pop Artist and another for Best Album. She won it with “Short N’ Sweet,” which came out a little over a year ago. For Best Collaboration, the hit song “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga took the win. BLACKPINK won Best Group.
Of course, there are other awards and other wins, including Mariah Carey for Best R&B Video, LISA for Best K-pop and more.
The VMAs are known for their guest interactions with others. Singer and songwriter Sombr met up with Alex Warren for a hot second, while being able to say hello to KATSEYE once again, even receiving a chocolate from one of the members. Ice Spice and Doja Cat also took part in the KATSEYE frenzy, both taking a picture with the group.
Some people online have called the event an “Ariana Meet N’ Greet,” considering she met and took photos with KATSEYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae and more. Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande shared a sweet moment while Ariana handed her the award.
This year’s MTV VMAs had remarkable and memorable performances, with loved celebrities showing their faces once again. With unforgettable performances and well-deserved wins, the 2025 MTV VMAs delivered another night of music history.
