Lady Gaga Crowned Artist of the Year at a Memorable MTV VMAs Ceremony
New York, NY – September 7, 2025 – In a night celebrating the pinnacle of music artistry and visual innovation, Lady Gaga emerged as the dominant force at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, taking home the prestigious Artist of the Year award. The pop icon, already the most nominated artist heading into the ceremony with a staggering 12 nods, accepted the coveted “Moon Person” trophy, capping a star-studded evening hosted by legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J at the UBS Arena.
A Night of Triumphs and Tributes
Gaga’s win in the Artist of the Year category placed her ahead of formidable competitors including Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. This victory not only highlights her continued impact on the music industry but also prevents Swift and Beyoncé, who remain tied with 30 VMA wins each, from surpassing that record this year, as they were also nominated in the Artist of the Year category. The evening was a testament to Gaga’s enduring appeal and her consistent ability to command the spotlight.
Her nominations spanned multiple key categories, showcasing the breadth of her recent creative output. Beyond Artist of the Year, her critically acclaimed album “Mayhem” was a contender for Best Album, while her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die with a Smile,” garnered nominations for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Pop. Additionally, her work on “Abracadabra” earned her nods for Best Direction, Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, and Choreography, underscoring her holistic approach to music creation.
The Heart of an Artist: Gaga’s Inspiring Acceptance Speech
Accepting the Artist of the Year award, Lady Gaga delivered an emotional and profound acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She reflected on the intrinsic value of being an artist, describing it as “an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world.” Gaga emphasized that artistry is a discipline and a craft aimed at reaching into hearts, reminding people to dream, and carrying the responsibility to evoke a spectrum of emotions—joy, dance, tears, and release. She spoke of art as a method for building understanding and celebrating community.
Gaga dedicated her win to her devoted fans, affectionately known as “Little Monsters,” and to her fiancé, Michael Polansky, calling him her “partner in all things.” Her powerful words served as a reminder of the art’s vital role in everyday life and the importance of individual passion and discipline. Shortly after accepting her award, Gaga made a swift exit, noting she had to get to Madison Square Garden for her “Mayhem Ball” concert, demonstrating her commitment to her ongoing tour.
A Ceremony of Stars and Honors
The 2025 MTV VMAs, broadcast for the first time on CBS and simulcast on MTV, were filled with memorable moments and performances. LL Cool J, in his role as host, guided the audience through an evening that honored musical excellence across genres. The ceremony featured electrifying performances from artists like Doja Cat, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae.
In addition to the competitive awards, the night also celebrated legendary careers. Mariah Carey received the coveted Video Vanguard Award, while Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin received the inaugural Latin Icon Award.
A particularly poignant moment was the tribute to the late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne. The Prince of Darkness was honored with a powerful medley of his greatest hits performed by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt, with Jack Osbourne introducing the segment.
Context: “Mayhem” and the Road Ahead
Gaga’s “Artist of the Year” win arrives amidst her highly successful “Mayhem Ball” tour, supporting her 2025 album of the same name. The tour, which emphasizes an intimate and theatrical experience, has been a critical and commercial success, with the album debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
The 2025 VMAs also introduced new categories, including “Best Country” and “Best Pop Artist,” reflecting the evolving landscape of music and fan engagement. While Lady Gaga took the top honor of Artist of the Year, other significant awards saw ROSÉ & Bruno Mars win Video of the Year and Song of the Year for “APT.”, and Alex Warren securing Best New Artist.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards once again proved to be a significant event in the music calendar, celebrating achievements, honoring legends, and shining a spotlight on artists who continue to push creative boundaries. Lady Gaga’s Artist of the Year award solidifies her status as a contemporary music titan.
