Pop superstar Ariana Grande was the biggest winner at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, clinching the night’s top prize, Video of the Year, for her hit single “Brighter Days Ahead.” The track also earned Best Pop Song, cementing Grande’s triumphant night at the star-studded ceremony near New York City.
The 32-year-old singer was visibly emotional as she accepted the evening’s most prestigious award, showering her fans with gratitude.
“Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being,” Grande said tearfully, before adding with a smile that she owed thanks to her “therapist and gay people,” a nod to her earlier win.
Lady Gaga, Rosé, and Sabrina Carpenter Shine
Another standout of the night was Lady Gaga, who beat out industry giants including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd to claim Artist of the Year. The 39-year-old paused her ongoing concert tour to appear on stage and later bagged Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for their hit “Die with a Smile.”
Former Blackpink member Rosé continued her meteoric rise as a solo artist, winning Song of the Year for “APT,” which she co-wrote with Bruno Mars.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter secured her first major VMA trophy, taking home Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet.”
A Blend of Nostalgia and Fresh Energy
The ceremony balanced old-school nostalgia with modern spectacle. Icons like Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin delivered throwback performances, while younger stars Doja Cat and Tate McRae embraced choreography inspired by the 1980s and 1990s.
Notably, rapper Kendrick Lamar—who recently swept the Grammys with five wins—walked away empty-handed despite several nominations.
Unlike the 2024 edition, where Taylor Swift used her platform to urge fans to vote for Kamala Harris, this year’s show avoided overt political statements, keeping the spotlight firmly on music and artistry.
