At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Ms. Ariana Grande, aged 32, drew notable attention through her execution of four distinct wardrobe changes spanning the red carpet and her multiple stage appearances.
Although Ms. Grande did not serve in the capacity of host — a role in which frequent costume changes are more customary — she was nominated in seven categories, thereby increasing the likelihood of her repeated presence before the live audience.
Each of her four ensembles presented a unique stylistic variation, yet collectively adhered to a cohesive black-and-white color scheme.
At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Ms. Ariana Grande, recognized for her song 7 Rings, commenced the evening in a retro-inspired black polka dot dress featuring a peplum waistline, thereafter transitioning through four additional dramatic ensembles.
Upon receiving the award for Best Pop in respect of her work Brighter Days Again, Ms. Grande appeared in a semi-sheer black-and-white gown. In her acceptance remarks, she expressed gratitude to her fans, to MTV, to her father, Mr. Edward Butera — who made his acting debut in the music video — and to director Christian Breslauer, acknowledging his role in visually realizing her artistic vision. She further emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, attributing its success to the collective efforts of her creative team. Concluding her speech, Ms. Grande extended appreciation to her therapist and to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Later in the evening, Ms. Grande returned to the stage in a white dress with a ballerina-inspired tulle skirt, coordinating footwear, and a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle to accept the Video of the Year award for Brighter Days Ahead. She additionally appeared before the audience in a glittering black gown with tulle straps.
In total, Ms. Grande secured three awards at the ceremony — Video of the Year, Best Pop Video, and Best Long Form Video — each in recognition of Brighter Days Ahead. She was also nominated in the categories of Best Pop Artist, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects, likewise in connection with the same work.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards commenced with Ms. Lady Gaga, aged 39, receiving the evening’s first Moon Person trophy. Ms. Gaga secured the Artist of the Year award, prevailing over nominee Taylor Swift in what is regarded as one of the ceremony’s most prestigious categories.
In addition, Ms. Gaga, in collaboration with Mr. Bruno Mars, earned the award for Best Collaboration for their widely acclaimed track Die With A Smile.
Due to a scheduling conflict involving her Mayhem Tour performance at Madison Square Garden, Ms. Gaga departed the event early and was therefore unable to accept certain awards in person. This marked her first appearance at the VMAs in five years, during which she led all nominees with twelve nominations and ultimately secured four Moon Person awards.
In other categories, Ms. Sabrina Carpenter was awarded Best Album for Short N Sweet, while Song of the Year was presented to Rosé and Bruno Mars for their recording Apt.
Additionally, Ms. Mariah Carey received one of the ceremony’s most distinguished honors, the Video Vanguard Award, which was formally presented to her by Ms. Ariana Grande.#newsafro_
