The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday delivered a procession of viral moments that dominated social feeds, from an awkward backstage embrace between Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter to a divisive protest-themed performance and a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Held at UBS Arena in New York, the three-hour ceremony brought together major pop figures including Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Grande and produced a mix of applause, criticism and online debate throughout the night.
A short video of Grande and Carpenter hugging backstage drew attention when viewers noted what many described as a tentative second embrace. Judi James, a body-language analyst cited by media outlets, characterized the interaction as a "frosty-looking partial hug," saying the motion suggested the two stars did not know each other well but that Grande remained professional. Social media users quickly debated whether the exchange signaled tension between the performers.
Mariah Carey, who received the ceremony's Video Vanguard Award, faced criticism online for what some viewers called a restrained stage presence. Carey performed a medley of hits including "Fantasy" and "Obsessed" after accepting the honor. Clips of the performance prompted accusations on social platforms that she was "doing the bare minimum," with some users alleging lip syncing and limited movement. In prerecorded remarks, Carey joked about the timing of the award, telling MTV, "I don't know why you took so long to happen," and later asked onstage, "What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?" while also thanking the network.
Sabrina Carpenter's performance of her single "Tears" divided viewers as she combined explicit choreography with advocacy for trans rights. Carpenter brought drag performers onstage and displayed signs reading messages such as "In trans we trust" and "Protect trans rights." Some critics accused the staging of fetishizing trans people, while defenders said the set was a pro‑trans rights statement. Carpenter later returned to accept Best Album and thanked the performers who joined her onstage.
Lady Gaga, who won Artist of the Year, left the ceremony shortly after accepting her Moon Person, telling the crowd she had to return to Madison Square Garden for a sold‑out show. Gaga dedicated the award to her fiancé, Michael Polansky, before departing.
A tribute to Ozzy Osbourne — who died in July at 76 — brought one of the night's more emotional responses. Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined British rocker Yungblud and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt to perform selections that included Black Sabbath's "Changes" and Osbourne's solo hit "Mama, I'm Coming Home." A video montage featuring Osbourne's children prefaced the segment. The tribute marked a rare reunion of Aerosmith on a major awards stage; Tyler and Perry, in their seventies, were joined by Yungblud and Bettencourt for the performance.
Doja Cat provoked a strong reaction on the red carpet when she appeared to bite and chew a tube of lipstick while posing for photographers. Clips of the moment circulated widely, with fans and critics offering divided responses ranging from amusement to disgust. Some speculated the stunt was a promotional tease for new music; others called it a bold fashion moment.
Tate McRae's set incorporated overtly sexualized staging, including a large sandbox and skimpy costuming for male dancers, drawing praise from some attendees and criticism from others. A shot of Frankie Grande, Ariana Grande's brother, making a sour expression during McRae's routine circulated online; later in the night he greeted McRae for a photo.
On the red carpet, Jessica Simpson's appearance prompted comments about a more youthful look and renewed speculation online about cosmetic work. Photos of Simpson, attending the VMAs for the first time in nearly two decades, generated a flurry of reactions noting a plumper pout and smooth complexion.
Other moments that attracted attention included Ice Spice promoting her recent single while presenting an award, and Yungblud arriving shirtless on the carpet, which prompted commentary about his styling choice and concern among some fans. Ariana Grande offered high praise for Carey during her Video Vanguard introduction, calling Carey "a singular talent" and later bowed to the singer after presenting the award.
The VMAs continued a trend in awards telecasts where staged moments, red‑carpet antics and tributes can eclipse prize announcements, creating immediate online conversation. Producers and performers alike navigated a mix of celebration, critique and spectacle over the course of the broadcast.