The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards introduced out the trade’s brightest stars.
However whereas the occasion’s greatest and worst moments saved followers glued to their TV screens on Sunday, September 7, an evening filled with untelevised moments had been seen firsthand solely by Us Weekly.
From well-known faces unveiling killer dance strikes away from the cameras inside New York Metropolis’s UBS Area, to the musical efficiency that scored the evening’s most rambunctious applause, continuous behind-the-scenes motion saved Us on the sting of its seat all evening.
As for the occasion’s most adorned artist, Girl Gaga, she provided brief-but-sweet interactions with a choose few, whereas Ariana Grande, who got here out with three of her personal Moon Individual trophies, made time for nearly all people within the room.
Elsewhere, shocking friendships got here to mild, awkward run-ins couldn’t be averted and Mariah Carey lastly took residence the statue she’d lengthy been ready for.
Scroll down for extra 2025 VMAs motion solely caught by Us.
Girl Gaga Arrived Late
Ariana Grande and Girl Gaga Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for MTV
The Artist of the Yr recipient was unable to attend all the ceremony because of a conflicting Mayhem Ball live performance date at New York’s Madison Sq. Backyard. Gaga arrived after LL Cool J’s opening monologue and rapidly took her place within the entrance row subsequent to Ariana after giving her a hug.
Ariana Grande Fangirled Over Lola Younger
Whereas Ariana walked away from the evening with the Video of the Yr, Greatest Pop and Greatest Longform Video trophies, she was additionally an avid supporter of her trade friends. Us noticed the “Brighter Days Forward” singer providing Lola Younger a standing ovation after her efficiency.
Stars Took Their Time Catching Up With Every Different
Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande John Shearer/Getty Photos for MTV
Us noticed loads of star-powered interplay all through the evening, together with FKA Twigs chatting to KATSEYE, Ariana and style stylist Regulation Roach leaving their seats collectively and rapper Sexyy Purple hugging Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D. Ariana made positive she chatted to a number of trade pals together with Carey after she introduced her with the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McCrae and Too A lot star Megan Stalter, whom she hugged.
Ricky Martin’s Efficiency Rocked the Home
Ricky Martin’s efficiency Johnny Nunez/Getty Photos for MTV
The “Livin’ la Vida Loca” star, who arrived on stage in a field, introduced the home down with Tyla, Frankie Grande, his half-sister Ariana, KATSEYE, FKA Twigs and different artists leaping out of their seats to bounce. Talking of standout musical acts, Busta Rhymes additionally raised power ranges and received everybody standing.
A Technical Glitch Made KATSEYE’s Award Awkward
Ice Spice and Latto Johnny Nunez/Getty Photos for MTV
Ice Spice and Latto didn’t learn ‘KATSEYE’ whereas presenting the Push Efficiency of the Yr award. Music started enjoying because the presenters had been about to open the winner’s envelope. A clumsy pause was felt earlier than KATSEYE abruptly received on the stage.
Mariah Carey Appeared Uncomfortable
Mariah Carey Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for MTV
The musical icon appeared to stroll very slowly all through the venue. She additionally appeared to be fairly stiff-like at occasions.
Frankie Grande Cherished Alex Warren’s Efficiency
Seen jamming to Alex Warren’s “Abnormal,” Frankie was the one particular person in his part to face through the efficiency. He additionally raised his palms within the air as he loved that specific observe.
Ed Sheeran Didn’t Appeal to Many Cheers
When Ed Sheeran’s “Sapphire” was introduced within the class of Greatest Pop, hardly anyone was heard cheering in comparison with different class bulletins.
Sabrina Carpenter Dropped the F-Bomb
Sabrina Carpenter Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for MTV
Throughout her acceptance speech for Album of the Yr, Carpenter expressed her ardour for the queer group with a shocking expletive. “This world, as everyone knows, may be so filled with criticism and discrimination and negativity,” she stated. “So to get to be a part of one thing that may deliver mild, make you smile, make you dance, and make you’re feeling just like the world is your f***ing oyster. I’m so grateful to do this.”
