The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena generated a string of viral moments that dominated social media in the hours after Sunday’s ceremony, with performances, backstage interactions and a red-carpet stunt fueling discussion.
Highlights included an awkward embrace between Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter, criticism of Mariah Carey’s onstage movements during her Video Vanguard set, a divisive performance from Carpenter advocating for trans rights, and a red-carpet incident in which Doja Cat bit into her lipstick. The three-hour broadcast brought several legacy acts and newer stars together and prompted realtime reactions from fans and fellow artists alike.
A clip of Grande and Carpenter hugging backstage circulated widely after viewers noted what some described as a "frosty" second embrace, in which Grande appeared not to close the hug. Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail the interaction looked like a "frosty-looking partial hug" with "brakes" on it, though she added the singer came across as "professional" and suggested the two artists do not appear to know each other well. The moment sparked speculation and commentary on X about the nature of the exchange.
Mariah Carey received the evening’s Video Vanguard Award and performed a medley of hits, but her set prompted online criticism from some viewers who described her movements as "stiff" and accused her of lip-syncing. Carey opened her acceptance remarks for an earlier award by noting it was her "first Moonman ever" and later quipped during her Video Vanguard speech, "What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?" — a remark that drew attention amid conversations about the timing of her VMA recognition.
Sabrina Carpenter’s first televised live performance of her single "Tears" polarized audiences. Carpenter incorporated drag performers and visible pro-trans-rights messaging on stage, with dancers holding signs reading slogans such as "In trans we trust" and "Protect trans rights." Some critics on social media called the staging and choreography fetishizing or performative, while others defended the performance as an expression of support for the trans community. Carpenter later returned to accept the award for Best Album and thanked the performers onstage.
Tate McRae’s set, which included songs "Revolving Door" and "Sports Car," drew praise for its theatrical staging and sensual choreography. The 22-year-old’s routine, featuring minimal-costume male dancers and pyrotechnics, prompted a range of audience reactions; a clip of Frankie Grande, Ariana Grande’s brother, making a skeptical face during the performance circulated online, though he later greeted McRae for a photo.
Rock veterans Aerosmith reunited on the VMAs stage for a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July at age 76. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined Yungblud and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt for a set that moved the audience and included a video montage of Osbourne’s family sharing memories. The performance marked a notable moment for Tyler, who has faced vocal and health issues in recent years.
Lady Gaga, who won Artist of the Year, left the ceremony shortly after accepting her award, telling the crowd she had to depart for a scheduled show at Madison Square Garden. Her quick exit drew commentary online as viewers debated the logistics of artists balancing awards appearances with tour commitments.
Doja Cat’s arrival on the red carpet prompted immediate reaction after cameras captured her theatrically biting and chewing a tube of red lipstick while posing for photographers. Video of the stunt spread rapidly on social platforms, with some users calling the moment "iconic" or playful and others expressing disgust.
The broadcast also produced several lighter moments that circulated on social media, including a warm exchange between Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga at their seats and Grande’s candid reaction to the Aerosmith–Yungblud tribute. Across the night, viewers used X and other platforms to amplify clips and commentary, underscoring the awards show’s role as both a live spectacle and a source of bite-size moments optimized for social sharing.
MTV’s VMAs returned to a familiar formula of high-profile presenters, surprise collaborations and moments likely to be clipped and redistributed across platforms. Performances ranged from political and advocacy-oriented staging to nostalgic tributes and provocative fashion statements, and the online response reflected a divided reception: some praised the show’s diversity of acts and messaging, while others criticized segments they viewed as underwhelming or performative.
As the VMAs continue to unfold annually, the 2025 edition underlined how unscripted interactions and staging choices now play as large a role in shaping public conversation as the awards themselves, with short video clips and social commentary rapidly turning certain moments into overnight viral fixtures.