Kicking off the night with fashion, guests stars Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Latto, Glorilla and Zara Lawson were some of many individuals that made a statement at the VMA’s with over the top looks. This year’s 2025 theme was “Millennial nostalgia”. In terms of fashion, this leans towards a “more and more” approach dominated with drama-sized silhouettes and sheer, revealing styles as seen on celebrities like Doja, Lady Gaga and Carpenter. Each celebrity crossed the red carpet with their definition of a nostalgic piece, including big hair styles and retro themed patterns and fabrics. Several brands stood out, Valentino being notably worn by prominent celebrities like Carpenter and Sombr. Balmain was a choice for Doja Cat. Other frequently seen designers included Fendi, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana.
Music Television’s VMAs (Video Music Awards) amazed the audience last night with incredible red carpet outfit looks, outstanding performances and a beautiful tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. The 2025 VMA celebrated most videos of the year, with their host LL Cool J hosting at UBS arena. Doja started off the night with her single influenced 80’s song “Jealous type” opening up the night with saxophonist Kenny G. Sabrina Carpenter followed up after Doja, with her powerful performance “Tears” from her new album, Man’s Best Friends, promoting transexual individual rights. Sabrina strutted the stage with drag queens, giving an 80’s inspired retro performance.
Alongside the wonderful performances themselves, the VMA’s also awarded talented artists and songwriters. Ariana Grande was awarded best music video of the year for her song “ Brighter days ahead.”She won the night’s highest honor, taking home a total of 3 awards on Tuesday night. Lady Gaga was another notable winner, amongst her four wins presented 2 days after she was forced to cancel a performance in Miami due to her strained voice. She stated in her acceptance speech that she couldn’t stick around for the rest of the VMA’s due to her “Mayhem Bell” tour at Madison square garden that night . About 90 minutes later, the VMA’s broadcast her performance “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance”. Carpenter also walked away with three “moon person” trophies. Other winners that accepted awards on telecast were Rosé, KATSEYE, Bruno Mars and Gaga. During the show, Mariah Carey was also presented with the Video Vanguard award. Busta Rhymes received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary award and Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon award.
One of the most emotional moments of the night. Osbourne, who passed on July 22 at seventy-six did not go unrecognized. He was remembered on stage with an amazing performance, with Yungblud leading the opening night with “Crazy Train” and his version of Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes,’ backed by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and keyboardist Adam Wakeman. The tribute closed with Osbourne’s song “Mama, I’m coming home”. Aerosmith, one of the performers for Osbourne’s tribute, appeared back on stage after having damage done to his vocal cords in September 2023. Images of Osborne throughout his life faded in and out of the background as Yungblud and Aerosmith gave Osbourne his farewell performance.
