Groovy Moo Recap: The 2025 MTV VMAs Were a Cosmic Rollercoaster

The 2025 VMAs weren’t just an award show; they were a glittering mixtape of joy, nostalgia, and pure chaos (in the best way). From tear-soaked ballads to stadium-shaking tributes, the night was a reminder that music is both memory and magic.

The pre-show set the tone: Alex Warren scooped up Best New Artist with “Ordinary”, looking both shocked and ready to conquer the night.

Over in R&B heaven, Mariah Carey finally got her very first Moon Person (yes, really!), for “Type Dangerous.” She laughed in her acceptance, “I don’t know why it took so long… just kidding!” Later, Carey would return with a dazzling medley and the long-overdue Video Vanguard Award, reminding us that the fun in music videos is eternal.

Yungblud carried Ozzy Osbourne’s spirit with him literally, wearing the necklace the late rock god gifted him. On stage, he unleashed chaos with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt, ripping through “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The night roared: Ozzy, forever.

Breakout artist Sombr had the best “wait, did this really happen?” face of the night when he won Best Alternative for “Back to Friends.” “I thought this was a prank,” he admitted, holding his Moon Person like a lifeline. Hours later, he performed the track with a photo-booth prop setup and followed it up with a dedication “for the girls.”

Lola Young kept things tender with her performance of “Messy,” proving the VMAs always leave room for vulnerability.

Lady Gaga (Artist of the Year) gave us one of the night’s most heartfelt speeches, thanking her Little Monsters and fiancé Michael Polansky. She later stunned with “Abracadabra” and the kooky new anthem “The Dead Dance.”

Ricky Martin made history with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, roaring: “We just want to reunite countries. We just want to keep music alive.” he also gave us a nostalgia blast with “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”

Bruno Mars & Rosé (Song of the Year — “APT”) brought the tears. Rosé dedicated the win to her 16-year-old self, who once feared she’d hit a wall: “Twelve years later, I dedicate this award to my younger self who dreamed.”

Busta Rhymes got his flowers at last with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award. “Next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, I’m gonna talk as long as I want,” he joked, before honouring his parents and MTV legend Ananda Lewis.

Doja Cat went full neon-’80s with “Jealous Type.”

Tate McRae bent backwards (literally) for “Revolving Door.”

Sabrina Carpenter made it rain for “Tears” and snagged Best Album (Short n’ Sweet).

Post Malone & Jelly Roll checked in live from Germany with “Losers.”

J Balvin brought heat with “Zun Zun” and “Noventa.”

Sisters Jessica and Ashlee Simpson had a surprise reunion to present Best Collaboration, which went to Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars for “Die with a Smile.” (Gaga had already dashed to Madison Square Garden, proving legends multitask.)

Conan Gray followed with pure drama capes, roses, heartbreak, and “Vodka Cranberry.” His maroon-and-white look, paired with emotional vocals, was the dictionary definition of theatrical.

The VMAs ended with Ariana Grande sealing her big night by winning Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Reading from a handwritten speech, she thanked her fans:

"Art has been a safe space for me since I was a kid. Thank you for growing with me and supporting me as a human being navigating, in real time, which creative itch needs to be scratched next." Grande reminded the crowd her album was about healing: “If you're on that journey, please continue onward because I promise there are brighter days ahead.” She then handed the mic to director Christian Breslauer, who praised her as “a brilliant collaborator.” Cue confetti. Cue tears. Cue the realisation: the VMAs still know how to deliver goosebumps.