Discover how the newcomers, hitmakers, and veterans performed.
9/8/2025
Sabrina Carpenter performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
The 2025 VMAs have concluded, with Lady Gaga taking home the most Moon Person trophies this year – four in total. Technically, Gaga left the arena before winning all four of those VMAs – after all, she had a headlining show to perform at Madison Square Garden – but she was there long enough to collect one in person before heading off to Manhattan.
Hosted by LL COOL J, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were among the best VMAs in recent memory, featuring a smart mix of newcomers who brought their A-game (and inventive visuals) and veterans who demonstrated their lasting appeal. Each veteran received some sort of Moon Person trophy during the three-hour telecast, with Mariah Carey receiving the Video Vanguard Award, Ricky Martin collecting the Latin Icon Award and Busta Rhymes getting the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
In any awards show, while the awards are important – as evidenced by the deeply personal acceptance speeches from ROSÉ and Ariana Grande – most viewers tune in for incredible live music. This year’s VMAs did not disappoint.
The ranking of the 2025 VMA performances is detailed below, from worst to best. Side stage performances are not included (as it seems unfair to rate a brief performance against a full song) nor is the pre-recorded halftime show from Gunna (though that was impressive). Here we go.
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Post Malone & Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll typically steals the spotlight at awards shows with his gritty vocals and simple yet impactful staging. However, this performance was not live from the venue but beamed in from Hanover, Germany. While their duet on “Losers” sounded fine, it lacked the magic of an in-person performance. Another VMA performer who did an offsite show excelled (more on that later), but unfortunately, this duet faded into the background.
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Alex Warren
A certified smash hit, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was named the song of the summer for 2025. However, performing a ballad at an awards show is challenging, and his new single “Eternity” didn’t set up this medley well. When he brought out a choir for “Ordinary,” his passionate vocals and audience enthusiasm improved things slightly.
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J Balvin, Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez and DJ Snake
J Balvin delivered the night’s most colorful performance with a neon vision of boom boxes and palm trees. Joined by Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez for “Zun Zun,” DJ Snake took over with his collaboration “Noventa,” featuring dancers and vibrant visuals.
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Conan Gray
In a queer fantasy reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty and Romeo & Juliet, Conan Gray performed his emotional “Vodka Cranberry” draped in princely robes. The fairytale production was lavish and theatrical.
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Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey celebrated her first-ever VMA win for best R&B during her medley performance. The nostalgic trip included her alter ego Bianca and featured hits like “Heartbreaker” and “We Belong Together,” along with her new single “Sugar Sweet.”
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Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin delivered a medley of bilingual hits before accepting the inaugural Latin Icon Award. His energy and dance moves remain as captivating as ever.
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Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes showcased his rapid-fire rapping alongside GloRilla and others. His high-energy performance reminded viewers why he’s one of New York’s finest.
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Sombr
Sombr brought early ‘00s NYC dive-bar vibes to his debut awards show performance while maintaining a cool demeanor throughout his set.
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Doja Cat
A Max Headroom reference combined with pink lights made Doja Cat’s performance electrifying as she kicked off the night with an ‘80s-inspired extravaganza.
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Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry & Nuno Bettencourt
Yungblud delivered an energetic tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during his performance alongside Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.
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