On Sept. 7, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. For the first time, the ceremony was broadcast on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ and a simulcast on MTV. LL Cool J hosted the evening, which honored the best music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025.
Lady Gaga led the winners, taking home four awards from 12 nominations, followed by Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande with three each. Two new fan-voted categories — Best Country and Best Pop Artist — debuted this year.
One of the night’s biggest surprises was who wasn’t there. Taylor Swift skipped the VMAs for the first time since 2021, citing a packed schedule and her focus on completing her upcoming album «The Life of a Showgirl.»
Fashion once again played a central role. Sheer looks dominated the red carpet, with stars including Tate McRae in a custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown and Zara Larsson in a colorful, minidress that embraced bold, lingerie-inspired styling. The VMAs red carpet, long known for its risks, continued to set conversation trends.
As music stars lit up the VMAs stage, the rare Blood Moon and total lunar eclipse illuminated the skies, making Sept. 7 a night of spectacle both on Earth and in the sky.
