VMAs 2025- Stars Styles, Best Dressed and Surprises from the Big Night

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards held at New York’s UBS Arena was a night full of memorable performances from artists such as Tate McRae who first took the stage and opened the show by performing her hit “Revolving Door,” which is nominated for Best Editing, Mariah Carey earned the Vanguard Award and also Sabrina Carpenter took home best Album of the Year. Many musicians were handed various awards for different categories from Video of the year to Artist of the year and many more. Of course we can’t miss Ariana Grande, the star of the night who was the biggest winner, winning three awards including the Video of the Year Award.

But before we continue to dive deeper into the night, let’s take a look at what the red carpet offered. It was full of bold fashion choices, like Olandria Carthen’s heart-shaped red corset dress with the fabric following gently behind her to the dramatic moments of Doja Cat’s chewing on her lipstick after applying it on the red carpet or Tyler who embraced the no-pants rule rocking a Vintage Chanel. This is the VMAs we’re looking at here, what do you expect? It delivered plenty of unpredictable moments. Ahead are our top best dressed of the night.

Tyla’s Revamped Vintage Chanel

Photo: @People-Instagram

After being nominated for two awards, Tyla walked down the red carpet wearing a 1993 vintage Chanel top as a dress. The 23-year old SouthAfrican Afro-beat singer wore the designer piece swapping pants for black briefs underneath, and Chanel logo for a thin chain on her waist that dropped with a gold medallion. The beige corset top had a black embroidery with the perfect tailoring. She outdid herself by reworking the piece originally worn as a top by the supermodel Claudia Schiffer during the Spring/Summer 1993 runway.

Aside from the length of the dress, another detail that drew attention was her accessories, she stacked up gold Pandora pieces. From her neckline to her wrist, the singer layered several sizes of jewelries.

She also wore a gold anklet that complemented her black pointed heels. Her full outfit was designed with stylist Ron Hartleben.

Sabrina Carpenter in Valentino

Photo: @People-Instagram

The star who is nominated for eight awards, including Best Pop Artist and Video of the Year swapped her signature short corseted minidress to a floor-length fitted red gown designed by Valentino and diamond Tiffany & Co. jewelry. The customized lace gown was adorned with sequins placed in floral embellishments.

She carried a pink maribu-feathered boa,  wore her hair in her usual blonde waves gently falling on her shoulders and kept her makeup neatly glammed, giving her a classic Hollywood-inspired look.

Doja Cat in Balmain

Photo: @People-Instagram

Whenever Doja steps into a red carpet, we expect nothing less than drama. She arrived in a blue and yellow Balmain mini dress with a plunged neckline, slightly off-shoulder that had pink crystal embellishments.

She accessorized with sapphire and diamond bold earrings from Chopard, yellow platform heels that stole the spotlight and a $5,995 Judith Leiber Couture lipstick clutch from which she pulled out a red lipstick and reapplied it on the red carpet.

The 29-year old singer was nominated this year for Song of the Summer for “Jealous Type,”  and won the best K-pop for “Born Again,” her collaboration with Lisa and Raye.

Ariana Grande Fendi’s polka dot

Photo: @People-Instagram

Our most iconic winner of the night first stepped onto the red carpet wearing a strapless Black and white polka-dot Fendi gown, with voluminous pale pink peplum styled by Law Roach. It was inspired by a dress worn by Silvia Venturini in the 1980s.

She wore her hair in her signature ponytail, adorned with a bow made from the same fabric as her dress.

Later that evening, Grande changed into three other dresses for the occasion.

Ciara in Schiaparelli

Photo: Instagram

Seems like almost everyone has a touch of red, Ciara stepped into the red carpet looking hot in a red oversized bomber jacket minidress, by Schiaparelli. The hybrid set had large silver zippers matching her jewelry, and an excess fabric that fell at one side giving the outfit a less daring finish.

Her hair was tied back neatly in a sleek bun and her makeup was nothing short of glamorous. She completed the look with an invisible looking pointy toe heels.

Summer Walker in a Bermuda capris

Photo: @Entertainment tonight-instagram

Walker paid homage to one of the most iconic red carpet moments with a look inspired by Pamela Anderson’s 1999 VMAs look.

She arrived in a white corset paired with body-hugging crystal-embellished Bermuda capris, trading Anderson’s original pink ensemble to a fluffy blue hat. Accessorized with a diamond necklace and an open-toe heels that tied the look together.

Sombr in a black ensemble

Photo: @Entertainment tonight-instagram

How can we finish off this list without mentioning Sombr. The singer and songwriter was nominated for The Best New Artist and won Best Alternative. He wore a black Valentino suit that had intricate floral patterns on the sleeves and above the mid-section tailored to perfection. A silk scarf wrapped around his waist and black shoes which had silver embroidery. The overall look was sharp and put together.

Who Took Home the Moon Person Trophies

The stars of the night were Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rosé.

Here’s the breakdown:

Photo: @Entertainment tonight-instagram

Lady Gaga won Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” (with Bruno Mars).

Ariana Grande won Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Long Form Video — all awarded for “Brighter Days Ahead “

Rosé (of BLACKPINK) & Bruno Mars took Song of the Year with “APT”. — a significant win for K-pop mainstream recognition.

Sabrina Carpenter secured both Album of the Year (Short n’ Sweet) and Best Pop Artist.

Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, while Tate McRae earned  Song of Summer for “Just Keep Watching”.

Photo: @Entertainment tonight-instagram

Special Honors: Mariah Carey (Video Vanguard), Ricky Martin (Latin Icon), Busta Rhymes (Rock the Bells Visionary)

Genre-Specific Highlights

• Doechii won Best Hip-Hop.

• Shakira scored Best Latin Video.

• Tyla was awarded Best Afrobeats Video.

• Sombr took home Best Alternative.

• LISA (ft. Doja Cat & RAYE) scored Best K-Pop Video.

• Megan Moroney won the inaugural Best Country Song award.

• BLACKPINK earned Best Group.

This year’s VMAs were full of surprises, filled with big wins, bold fashion, and exciting performances. From Ariana Grande’s emotional three-award sweep to Lady Gaga’s commanding presence and Sabrina Carpenter’s well-deserved recognition, the night proved once again why the VMAs remain one of music’s most anticipated events.