The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday night drew a wide range of fashion statements, with several artists and celebrities opting for revealing and attention-grabbing ensembles. Among the most noted looks were Ashlee Simpson, who arrived in a black lace-up gown, and Tate McRae, who wore a flowing sheer white dress.
Simpson, 40, walked the carpet alongside her husband, actor-singer Evan Ross, wearing a form-fitting black gown with side lace-up detailing and open-toe heels; she wore her auburn hair in loose mermaid waves. McRae, 22, chose a Grecian-inspired, translucent white gown that revealed undergarments beneath the fabric. Other arrivals included Taylor Momsen in a grunge-inspired black bra and leather skirt that showcased her midriff, Malin Akerman in a strapless metallic silver gown, and Brittany Snow in strapless metallic gold.
The carpet also featured a range of styles from country, pop and international artists: Megan Moroney wore a metallic top and white skirt with a side slit; Shenseea wore a gold mini dress; Lolo Wood chose a sparkling pink mini; and Olandria Carthen appeared in a sheer red corset-style dress. Public figures beyond performers attended as well, including YouTuber MrBeast with his fiancée Thea Booysen and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick with his wife, Nessa.
The awards show, hosted by LL Cool J, unfolded against a backdrop of high-profile nominations and a notable performance return. Lady Gaga led the field with 12 nominations and will return to perform on the VMA stage for the first time in five years. Bruno Mars followed with 11 nominations and Kendrick Lamar had 10. Gaga is nominated in major categories including Video of the Year for her duet with Bruno Mars, and her album Mayhem is up for Best Album. The nominations list also included Sabrina Carpenter, who is both nominated and scheduled to perform.
MTV expanded the show’s reach this year by airing the ceremony on CBS for the first time while also simulcasting on MTV and streaming on the premium tier of Paramount+. Presenters on the broadcast included Ciara, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton, Livvy Dunne and Ice Spice.
Performers announced for the evening included Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Tate McRae, J Balvin and Sabrina Carpenter alongside Gaga. Industry nominations covered a broad set of categories, from Song and Artist of the Year to genre-specific awards and technical categories such as Best Direction and Best Cinematography. Artists vying for Video of the Year included Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Rosé & Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter and The Weeknd & Playboi Carti.
As the show moved from the red carpet to the stage, attention shifted from fashion to the awards and performances. Gaga’s return marked a focal point for viewers and nominees alike; she has previously won 18 VMAs. Organizers and producers released nominee and performer lists in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, and several artists who appeared on the carpet were also competing in multiple categories.
The 2025 VMAs combined traditional star-driven red carpet moments with a cross-platform broadcast strategy and a lineup of performers intended to draw viewers across pop, hip-hop, alternative and country genres. The ceremony’s winners and live performances will be announced and broadcast during the program, with industry reactions and acceptance speeches to follow the event’s conclusion.