Cover VMAs 2025 is a stage of triumph for versatile female artists
VMAs 2025 is a stage of triumph for versatile female artists
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From Lady Gaga’s 12 nominations to Rosé’s K-Pop milestone and Mariah Carey’s first VMA, the VMAs 2025 celebrated female artistry.
Recently, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards unfolded with appearances from major names including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Doja Cat, Conan Gray and Ricky Martin. If last year Taylor Swift swept the 2024 VMAs with 12 nominations and seven trophies, this year Lady Gaga took centre stage with 12 nods and four wins. Alongside her triumphant comeback with Mayhem, the 2025 VMAs stood out as a year in which female artists dominated, highlighting their remarkable presence and achievements.
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Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande win major awards
Over the past two years, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande have both released new albums, Mayhem and Eternal Sunshine, after taking time to focus on their acting careers. Both records not only achieved strong commercial results but also drew praise from critics. Pitchfork awarded Mayhem an 8/10, while Eternal Sunshine received 7.2/10, underscoring the commitment behind these two singers’ return to music.
Lady Gaga led the VMAs this year with 12 nominations and victories in four categories, including the coveted Artist of the Year, as well as Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars, Best Direction and Best Art Direction. She arrived at the ceremony in a striking black ensemble, exuding individuality and flair. After her acceptance speech, she quickly departed for Madison Square Garden, where she was due to perform on her Mayhem Ball tour.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande claimed Video of the Year, Best Long Form Music Video and Best Pop for Brighter Days Ahead. These honours also reflected her wider success in film. Her role in Wicked earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and audiences can expect to see her reprise the part in the upcoming sequel.
Blackpink’s appeal: Rosé becomes first K-Pop artist to win ‘Song of the Year’ at the VMAs and Lisa continues to shine
With her hit APT, featuring Bruno Mars, Rosé made history as the first Korean artist to win Song of the Year at the VMAs 2025. The accolade reflects both her influence and the growing recognition of K-Pop talent worldwide.
Another Blackpink member, Lisa, secured Best K-Pop Song for her collaboration with Doja Cat and Raye on Born Again. This marked her third victory in the category, following Rockstar in 2024 and Lalisa in 2022, affirming her rising profile among Western audiences.
The group as a whole also triumphed in the Best Group category, reaffirming the enduring impact of the quartet.
Sabrina Carpenter shows potential to become a new generation ‘main pop girl’
On the strength of her summer hit Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter has emerged as one of the brightest contenders for the title of the next “main pop girl”.
At the 2025 VMAs red carpet, she appeared in a glamorous red gown with an elegant silhouette. Some Taylor Swift fans remarked that the look echoed The Life of a Showgirl, the title track from her forthcoming studio album, performed as a duet with Sabrina Carpenter. Riding on the success of her album Short n’ Sweet, which caused a sensation late last year, Sabrina Carpenter took home Best Album. Her music video for Manchild, from the same record, also earned Best Visual Effects.
Above Sabrina Carpenter Performs "Tears" | 2025 Video Music Awards
Her performance at the VMAs 2025 drew praise for its assured vocals and spirited, magnetic stage presence. She also used the platform to deliver a message of support for LGBTQ+ rights, with particular emphasis on the transgender community.
Mariah Carey wins first award at VMAs 2025
After 35 years in the music industry and a string of iconic hits, Mariah Carey received her first VMA at the 2025 ceremony. Her track Type Dangerous, from her forthcoming album Here For It All—set for release on 26 September 2025—won Best R&B.
Above Mariah Carey Performs Vanguard Medley | 2025 Video Music Awards
She was also honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, presented by Ariana Grande, in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to music.
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Before accepting the award, Carey performed a medley of her classics, including Dreamlover, Heartbreaker, Obsessed, Like That and We Belong Together. Dressed in a striking yellow bodycon ensemble, she proved once more why the diva title has long been hers.
With two accolades at VMAs 2025, Carey reaffirmed her enduring stature in the industry, even as new generations of talent emerge. Fans can look forward to the release of her 16th studio album Here For It All, featuring 11 tracks, at the end of September 2025. It will be her first full-length project since Caution in 2018.
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