The 2025 Video Music Awards paid homage to the past, present and what’s to come on the music scene. Held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, host extraordinaire LL Cool J took us through an electrifying array of musical performances and awards, featuring legends and the hottest new voices on the R&B and hip-hop scene, and, of course, Mariah Carey, who was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. Here are moments that had us “breaking our necks” to take in every single drop.
Mariah, Mariahm Mariah!
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She first came out in a silk, fur-lined robe, lulling us all with her smooth vocals that were about to take us way back. Carey, dazzling in a sparkling gold romper, broke out da hits (complete with male dancers on roller skates). It was a take your pick smorgasbord that served up “Sugar Sweet,” “Fantasy,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That” and “We Belong Together.” Yes, she deserves her name in larger-than-life lights, and she got it!. As Mimi accepted the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, she gave props Ariana Grande who presented her award, and thanked the VMAs for her first VMA statue, but quipped, “Whatever were you waiting for?” Recalling how making videos allowed her channel her many different creative sides, Carey stated, “Music evolves, videos eveloves, but the fun that is eternal.” Just in case you missed it, Mimi has a new album dropping on September 26.
Busta Rhymes Gets His Moon Man
It’s been 35 years in the making, but hip hop icon and past EBONY cover Busta Rhymes star finally got his Moon Man, the inaugural “Rock the Bells Visionary” Award. He declared that since he had waited for nearly four decades for a VMA award, he would talk as long as he wanted, and then kept it short and sweet, acknowledging God, his children and the late VJ Ananda Lewiswho helped bring his music to the masses. Before accepting the award, Busta broke the stage performing some of his greatest hits, including “Gimme Some More,” “Scenario,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” and “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II.” Joyner Lucas, Papoose and GloRilla also appeared in the memorable performance.
Doja Cat Is “Fresh”
The “Paint the Town Red” singer Interrupted LL Cool J’s cold open with an homage to Max Headroom, the first computer-generated TV presenter from the 1980s, to introduce her performance. She kept the decade’s vibe alive as her band sported a Kid ‘n Play high fade, animal-printed legging and boots and a studded star-shaped guitar.
Dance Hall Days
Reggaeton, that infectious music genre blending hip-hop, Latin, Jamaican dancehall and reggae music, got the arena bopping with J Blavin’s infectious performance of “Zun Zun” with Lenny Tavárez and Justin Quiles and “Noventa” with DJ Snake.
Winners’ Circle
The night’s notable winners include:
Song of the Year—”Apt.” Rosé & Bruno Mars
Best Afrobets—”Push 2 Start” Tyla
Best K-Pop—” Born Again” Lisa Featuring Doja Cat & Raye
Best R&B— “Type Dangerous” Mariah Carey
Best Collaboration—”Die With a Smile” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
