Lady Gaga was named Artist of the Year at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, cementing a sweep for the singer who led the field with 12 nominations at the ceremony. Rosé and Bruno Mars won Song of the Year for "Apt.," one of the night’s major awards.
On the red carpet before the show, FKA twigs was photographed cosying up to boyfriend Jordan Hemingway while wearing a barely-there top and no bra, a look that drew media attention as celebrities arrived for the awards.
The Artist of the Year category also included heavyweights Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. Taylor Swift entered the show with a single nomination, in that top category. Lady Gaga’s nominations spanned major categories, reflecting a broad slate of entries tied to her album "Mayhem." Rosé and Bruno Mars’ victory in Song of the Year marked a high point for their collaboration amid a field that included songs from Billie Eilish, Doechii, Ed Sheeran and others.
The ceremony featured a wide range of nominees across genres. Video of the Year contenders included Ariana Grande for "Brighter Days Ahead," Billie Eilish for "Birds of a Feather," Kendrick Lamar for "Not Like Us," and Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for "Die With a Smile." In other categories, nominees ranged from emerging artists in Best New Artist to genre-specific fields such as Best Hip-Hop, Best R&B and Best Alternative.
Several artists and videos drew multiple nominations: Charli XCX and Billie Eilish were both up in three categories for their remix of "Guess," while Lady Gaga’s broad nomination count reflected entries in technical categories including direction, art direction and choreography. FKA twigs was among artists recognized in choreography for her work on "Eusexua."
Organizers presented a cross-section of the music industry, from established stars to newer acts. The Best Album category included releases by Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter and The Weeknd. The Best Pop and Best Rock categories likewise showcased a mixture of longtime chart-toppers and rising names.
The MTV VMAs remain a focal point for both awards recognition and high-profile red carpet fashion. This year’s ceremony combined those elements: Lady Gaga’s win underscored her critical and industry momentum, Rosé and Bruno Mars’ Song of the Year reflected the popularity of their collaboration, and the arrivals on the carpet — including FKA twigs and her companion — continued the event’s tradition of attention-grabbing style moments.
MTV announced winners during the telecast and on its platforms; full lists of nominees and winners for each category were made available through the network and its press materials following the ceremony.