Leading nominee Lady Gaga, Latin Icon Award recipient Ricky Martin and viral video breakouts Sombr and Conan Gray showcased MTV's commitment to balancing veterans and upstarts during the 2025 VMAs.
Airing live from New York's UBS Arena Sept. 7, the 41st incarnation of the show enlisted a cavalcade of talent to perform in between Moon Person trophy presentations while host LL Cool J steered the proceedings.
From best new artist nominees Alex Warren ("Ordinary") and Sombr ("Back to Friends") to pop starlet and video of the year contender Sabrina Carpenter ("Manchild") to potential biggest Latin award winner in VMA history J Balvin ("Zun Zun"), the stage was rarely absent a vigorous performance.
Joining them on the itinerary were Busta Rhymes (recipient of the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award), Mariah Carey (winner of this year's Video Vanguard Award), Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Post Malone and Tate McRae, as well as Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, British rocker Yungblud and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, who combined for a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Here's a brutally honest look at all of the performances:
