2025 MTV VMAs Delivers Unforgettable Night With Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Doja Cat, Gunna, and Sabrina Carpenter
The MTV Video Music Awards have long been one of pop culture’s most electric nights, spotlighting boundary-pushing performances and iconic moments that help define generations. Since its debut in 1984, the VMAs have cemented their place as a cultural touchstone, blending music, fashion, and spectacle onto a stage where legends are made and newcomers make their mark. This year’s ceremony proved just how enduring that legacy is, not only captivating audiences but also making history as MTV partnered with CBS to air the show on primetime television, reaching an even wider audience.
And while the night had its fair share of standout moments, it was especially one to remember for hip-hop and R&B. Some achievements and recognition felt long overdue, but that only added to the electricity of the evening, reminding fans why the VMAs remain one of music’s most exciting cultural stages.
Busta Rhymes Receives Inaugural MTV Rock The Belles Visionary Award
Hip-hop royalty was in full effect as Busta Rhymes took the stage at the 2025 MTV VMAs to accept the first-ever Rock The Belles Visionary Award.
Before accepting his award, Busta gave the audience a masterclass in performance, tearing through a medley of his biggest hits. From“Touch It” to “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” and the iconic “Pass The Courvoisier,” the rap legend delivered rapid-fire verses and unmatched stage presence. The performance reminded fans why he remains one of the most dynamic entertainers in hip-hop history.
Mariah Carey Honored With Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Recognizing her unmatched legacy as a vocal powerhouse, visual storyteller, and pop culture icon, the award solidified her place as one of the most influential artists of all time. Her decades-spanning career, filled with chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing music videos, made her an undeniable choice for this year’s honor.
Carey made the night even more memorable with a dazzling medley before receiving the award. Taking fans on a nostalgic journey, she performed classics like “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together,” and “Honey,” each track met with thunderous applause.
Gunna Takes Center Stage With Halftime Show Performance
The halftime show belonged to Gunna, who delivered a cinematic, pre-recorded performance of his hit, “Won’t Stop,” from the middle of a football field. Blending stadium lights, aerial shots, and wide sweeping visuals, the performance gave viewers a larger-than-life experience that broke away from the traditional stage setup inside the arena. It was a bold, creative choice that stood out as one of the night’s most innovative moments.
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Doja Cat Opens 2025 VMAs With High-Energy Performance of "Jealous Type"
Doja Cat kicked off the 2025 MTV VMAs with a performance that set the bar sky-high for the rest of the night. Taking the stage with her current single, “Jealous Type,” the genre-bending star delivered a bold and electrifying opener. Her sharp choreography, razor-sharp delivery, and undeniable charisma lit up the arena, immediately trending across social platforms as fans praised her showmanship.
Paying homage to the 1980s, Doja fused retro-inspired visuals, neon backdrops, and synth-heavy arrangements into her performance.
Sabrina Carpenter Honors Queer and Trans Communities With Powerful VMA Performance
Sabrina Carpenter used her stage time at the MTV VMAs to send a powerful message, performing her track “Tears,” while honoring the queer and trans communities. During the performance, dancers and drag icons raised signs reading “Protect Trans Rights,” filling the stage with a rallying cry for inclusivity and equality. It was a striking moment of activism and artistry, reminding viewers of the role pop music can play in sparking dialogue.
Carpenter was joined by an all-star lineup from the ballroom and drag scenes, including "RuPaul’s Drag Race" queens Denali, William, Symone, Laganja Estranja, and Lexi Love, alongside ballroom icons Dashaun Wesley and Honey Balenciaga. The collaboration paid homage to queer culture and its impact on music and performance, while also spotlighting voices often pushed to the margins.
