Cardi B, Mariah Carey and Tate McRae were among the performers and nominees who attended several high-profile afterparties in New York following the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, drawing attention for their post-show fashion as the music industry celebrated the evening's winners.
Cardi B arrived at a Raising Cane’s afterparty in a plunging leopard-print gown with a thigh-high split, sheer stockings and black stilettos. Photographs captured the rapper adjusting the front of her dress as she entered the event, days after being cleared in an assault case. Mariah Carey, who was honored at the ceremony with the Video Vanguard Award, wore a leather mini dress with semi-sheer tights and lace boots as she arrived at The Twenty Two hotel. Tate McRae attended Sabrina Carpenter’s afterparty in Brooklyn in a sheer bodysuit with strategically placed panels, accessorized with oversized sunglasses and diamond jewelry.
Other attendees included actress Lupita Nyong'o in an oversized leather trench coat and brogues, singer Justine Skye in a black mini dress with a keyhole cutout, and influencer Alix Earle in a mocha bodycon mini dress and heels. The gatherings followed a star-studded awards show at which several major artists took home top honors.
Ariana Grande won Video of the Year and Best Pop for "Brighter Days Ahead," and concluded her acceptance remarks with a message about optimism and the personal themes behind the project. Lady Gaga, who led nominees with 12 nods, won Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration alongside Bruno Mars for "Die With a Smile," though she was unable to accept some awards in person while performing a tour date at Madison Square Garden. Sabrina Carpenter won Best Album for Short N Sweet, and Rosé and Bruno Mars received Song of the Year for "Apt." Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, and Katseye won MTV Push Performance of the Year for "Touch."
The ceremony also included special honors and performances. Mariah Carey performed a medley of hits including "Fantasy," "Heartbreaker" and "We Belong Together" prior to receiving the Video Vanguard Award. Ricky Martin was presented with the first-ever Latin Icon Award and performed a medley of his hits, and Busta Rhymes received the Rock The Bells Visionary Award after a medley of his classic tracks.
The afterparties provided an opportunity for artists to gather informally after a busy awards night. Photographers and attendees noted both celebratory moods and a focus on fashion as the industry marked its annual showcase of music videos, performances and cultural moments.
Organizers and performers framed the evening as a mix of recognition and return: several veteran artists were acknowledged for long careers while newer acts received breakthrough awards. The VMAs, held in New York, have historically combined live performances, surprise moments and industry honors; this year’s ceremony continued that pattern, followed by numerous private events where nominees and performers were photographed leaving venues across the city.