VMAs 2025: Music’s Biggest Night Live From UBS Arena
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up UBS Arena in New York today, bringing together pop icons, rising stars, and surprise collaborations that set social media on fire. From dazzling red-carpet looks to career-defining performances, the VMAs once again proved why they remain one of the most-watched and talked-about nights in music.
Where and When Did the VMAs 2025 Take Place?
The ceremony was held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, a venue that has become a go-to stage for major entertainment spectacles. MTV confirmed that the event was broadcast live today across all its platforms, with additional coverage on Paramount+ and partner streaming services.
For fans asking, “What time do the VMAs 2025 start?” the red carpet began at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main show at 8:00 p.m. ET. Viewers worldwide were able to tune in through regional MTV channels or verified streaming platforms.
How to Watch the MTV VMAs 2025
If you missed the live broadcast, here are your options:
- MTV channel in your region
- Paramount+ live and on-demand streaming
- Authorized services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling
- MTV’s official website and mobile app for clips, highlights, and backstage coverage
Fans should be wary of unofficial streams, which often provide unreliable quality and may pose security risks.
Who Performed at the VMAs 2025?
The performer lineup mixed global legends with breakout stars:
- Mariah Carey returned to the VMA stage, delivering a medley of classics alongside her new single.
- Lady Gaga stunned with a theatrical set from her latest album, featuring futuristic visuals and powerful vocals.
- Ariana Grande lit up the arena with an emotional ballad followed by an upbeat dance track, confirming why fans had asked for weeks: “Is Ariana Grande performing at the VMAs 2025?”
- Lenny Kravitz added rock star edge with a guitar-heavy performance.
- Tate McRae brought sharp choreography to the stage, cementing her status as one of the year’s breakthrough stars.
- Post Malone kept the crowd buzzing with a mash-up of hits and guest features.
- Sabrina Carpenter made her VMA headliner debut, drawing screams from younger fans.
- LL Cool J delivered a nostalgic rap set, reminding viewers of the VMAs’ deep history with hip-hop.
VMAs 2025 Winners: The Biggest Awards of the Night
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most anticipated categories from today’s show:
- Video of the Year revealed in a dramatic closing moment.
- Best Group fans had been asking “Who won Best Group at the VMAs 2025?” and the answer came with roaring applause.
- Artist of the Year hotly contested among Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and others.
- Song of the Summer chosen through fan voting on MTV’s official platforms.
A full winners list is expected to be published by MTV later tonight on its website and social handles.
VMAs 2025 Nominations and Fan Voting
This year’s VMA nominations reflected both streaming powerhouses and TikTok-driven viral hits. Fan engagement was especially strong, with VMAs 2025 voting trending on X (formerly Twitter) throughout the week. MTV opened voting across categories including Best New Artist and Best Collaboration, encouraging participation through its app and website.
The Energy of the Night: Red Carpet and Backstage
The VMA red carpet was its own spectacle, with celebrities pushing fashion boundaries from metallic gowns to oversized streetwear. Backstage, performers like Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae shared moments with fans through MTV’s live digital coverage.
“There’s no stage like the VMAs,” one performer said backstage, summing up the electricity of the night.
Why the VMAs Still Matter in 2025
With countless streaming-era awards shows emerging, some wonder why the MTV Video Music Awards still hold cultural weight. The answer lies in the show’s unpredictability. From shocking collaborations to unscripted viral moments, the VMAs consistently fuel global conversations. Artists like Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga use the stage to make statements, while new stars gain career-defining visibility.
The show’s format also embraces digital-first audiences. Clips trend instantly across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, ensuring the VMAs reach far beyond traditional TV.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered spectacle, drama, and a celebration of music’s evolving landscape. With winners now crowned and performances already generating millions of views online, the VMAs once again cemented their place in pop culture history.
Fans who missed the show can catch replays throughout the week on MTV and Paramount+, along with highlight reels on MTV’s social platforms.
