Ariana Grande became a talking point at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, winning three awards and drawing attention for her animated reactions during the show. The pop star took home video of the year, long-form video and best pop video for 'Brighter Days Ahead', thanking her father and 'my therapist and gay people' in one acceptance speech.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July at 76. A performance of his hits featured Yungblud, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. Yungblud had posted a tribute on Instagram beforehand, saying he hoped to make the late singer proud.
Cameras caught Grande wide-eyed, open-mouthed and throwing her hands in the air during the tribute, prompting accusations of being 'performative' on social media. Some viewers called it 'forced', while others praised her reactions to Lady Gaga and Doja Cat as genuine and entertaining.
Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter claimed album of the year for 'Short n’ Sweet', along with best pop artist and visual effects. Doechii won hip-hop and choreography for 'Anxiety', and Tate McRae took song of the summer for 'Just Keep Watching'. Coldplay won rock for 'All My Love', Shakira took Latin for 'Soltera', and Sombr earned alternative for 'Back To Friends'.
Performances came from Carpenter, Sombr, McRae, Alex Warren, Katseye and Post Malone (from Germany). Several awards were not presented live and were announced on social media after the show ended.
