Five Key Moments from MTV VMAs as Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande Win Big
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have always been a cultural thermometer, measuring where music, fashion, and social movements collide. This year’s event, held at New York’s UBS Arena, was no exception—though noticeably quieter in star attendance, it was dominated by female powerhouses who turned the spotlight into a celebration of artistry, inclusivity, and resilience.
Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter emerged as the night’s biggest winners, leaving audiences with memorable performances and heartfelt speeches that will be replayed for years to come. Here are five key moments that defined the VMAs this year.
1. Lady Gaga: The Queen of Reinvention Strikes Again
Lady Gaga entered the night as the most-nominated artist with 12 nods—and she didn’t disappoint. Walking away with four trophies, including the coveted Artist of the Year, Gaga cemented her place as one of the most decorated VMA winners in history with 22 wins, surpassing Madonna and trailing only Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Her acceptance speech was vintage Gaga: raw, emotional, and filled with gratitude. “Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world,” she told her fans—the ever-devoted Little Monsters.
But Gaga wasn’t done. After exiting the arena, cameras followed her straight to Madison Square Garden, where she performed her latest hits Abracadabra and The Dead Dance. With a Tim Burton-directed gothic music video tied to Netflix’s Wednesday, Gaga once again blurred the lines between pop star and performance artist.
Her collaborations also made waves. Die With A Smile with Bruno Mars earned Best Collaboration, while Mars’ own track APT with Rosé won Song of the Year, marking a powerful night for cross-genre partnerships.
2. Sabrina Carpenter’s Bold Stand for the Trans Community
Sabrina Carpenter was another breakout star of the night. Winning Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet, the brand-new Best Pop Artist award, and Best Visual Effects for Manchild, Carpenter’s victory marked a defining moment in her career.
But her performance of Tears stole the show. Surrounded by drag queens and trans dancers holding signs like “In Trans We Trust” and “Protect the Dolls”, Carpenter used her stage to spotlight trans rights at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility is increasingly under attack.
It was a daring, unapologetic statement—and it resonated with fans who praised her courage online. For Carpenter, the VMAs weren’t just about music; they were about using pop culture to fight for inclusivity.
3. Ariana Grande Delivers Brighter Days Ahead
Ariana Grande collected three trophies, including Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead, Best Long-Form Video, and Best Pop Video.
Her speech was deeply personal. Thanking her father for his cameo in the video, Grande framed the project as a journey of healing:
“This project is about creating safety in our own lives, which is a lifelong process. If you’re on that journey, please continue onward, because I promise there are brighter days ahead.”
Grande’s words struck a chord with fans battling their own struggles, proving once again that she balances vulnerability with star power in a way few artists can.
4. Mariah Carey: The Legend Still Shines
The VMAs also paid tribute to one of pop’s most enduring icons: Mariah Carey, who was honored with the Video Vanguard Award.
In classic Mariah fashion, she accepted with a mix of humor and diva energy. “This is amazing MTV, I don’t know why it took you so long!” she teased. Her medley performance of classics reminded everyone of her unmatched vocal legacy, even as some fans cheekily noted she gave “maximum respect with minimum effort.”
Still, her words about music videos rang true: “They’re an excuse to bring the drama and do things I wouldn’t do in real life. Music evolves, but fun? That is eternal.”
It was a fitting reminder that Carey doesn’t need to overexert—her icon status is already set in stone.
5. A Global Celebration of Music Diversity
Beyond the big names, the VMAs highlighted a rich mix of genres and cultures:
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Blackpink took home Best Group, adding to their global dominance.
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Megan Moroney made history as the first winner of Best Country with Am I Okay?.
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Shakira won Best Latin for Soltera.
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Tyla secured Best Afrobeats, reflecting the genre’s worldwide surge.
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Rising stars like Doechii and Tate McRae earned double wins, signaling the next wave of talent ready to shape the industry.
The night, though muted in attendance, proved that music’s future is increasingly female, diverse, and boundary-pushing.
Final Thoughts: A Night of Female Power and Purpose
While the VMAs have had flashier years filled with shock-value stunts, this edition was quieter—but no less impactful. Lady Gaga reaffirmed her legendary status, Ariana Grande offered hope, Sabrina Carpenter delivered a bold message of inclusivity, Mariah Carey reminded us of her timeless influence, and international stars showed the VMAs are no longer just an American affair.
If there was one overarching theme, it was this: music is more powerful when it amplifies voices, celebrates diversity, and dares to be bold.
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