Ariana Grande arrived at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet on Sunday in a custom black-and-white polka-dot Fendi dress, marking a high-profile return to the ceremony’s in-person festivities.
Styled by image architect Law Roach, the singer wore a pale pink peplum over the dress and her signature high ponytail tied with a bow made from the same fabric. She finished the look with subtle Swarovski studs and a swipe of winged eyeliner. Roach, who accompanied Grande on the red carpet, posted an Instagram preview of the look, writing, "And then THIS happened..... WE ARE BACK."
Roach posed with Grande on the carpet and wore a crystal-covered suit accented with a matching polka-dot bow. The appearance marked Grande's first in-person VMAs red carpet since 2018; she did make an appearance at the 2020 ceremony in a virtual performance with Lady Gaga.
Grande, 32, is nominated for seven awards at this year’s ceremony, including video of the year, best long form video, best pop video, best direction, best cinematography, best visual effects for her 26-minute short film "Brighter Days Ahead," and best pop artist overall. The short film, released in March alongside Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, was co-directed by Grande and transforms the singer into an elderly version of a character called Peaches in a futuristic story that explores memory — erasing it, rewriting it and starting anew.
Grande has been a frequent nominee at the VMAs but has not walked the ceremony’s red carpet since she appeared with then-fiancé Pete Davidson in 2018 wearing a silver strapless mini dress and a reported $93,000 engagement ring. In 2020 she performed remotely in a Mugler ensemble and distinctive hair and makeup as part of the show’s virtual presentation.
The VMAs appearance comes as part of a busy year for Grande. She is set to return to the big screen as Glinda in "Wicked: For Good," the second part of the film adaptation, which opens Nov. 21. She also announced the Eternal Sunshine Tour, scheduled to begin June 6 in Oakland, California, and conclude Aug. 23 in London.
Grande’s VMAs nominations recognize both her pop music and her expanded creative role in visual storytelling. The awards show continues through the evening as nominees gather to see which projects and performers are honored.