Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Cardi B's Glitzy Gown and Risky Assets at the VMAs Afterparties!

Cardi B grappled with her assets in a low-cut gown as she led the vocal powerhouses who were dressed to impress as they partied the night away in New York City after the MTV VMAs

VMAs Afterparties: Where Music's Elite Come to Unleash Their Inner Diva

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were a night to remember, with some of music's biggest stars taking home top honors and others... well, not so much. But the real fun didn't start until after the ceremony, when the A-listers flocked to various soirees to let their hair down and show off their style.

Cardi B: The Queen of Drama

Also wowing was Mariah Carey, 56, who looked sensational in a leather mini dress as she sashayed into The Twenty Two hotel in a leather look

Fresh from being cleared of assault charges, Cardi B was ready to put on a show at Raising Cane's bash in New York. The 32-year-old rapper rocked a plunging leopard print gown that left little to the imagination – and nearly caused a wardrobe malfunction when she grabbed her ample assets. Adding to the drama were sheer stockings, black stilettos, and silver chandelier earrings.

Mariah Carey: Still Got It

Meanwhile, Mariah Carey was turning heads at The Twenty Two hotel in a leather mini dress that screamed "diva." Oversized sunglasses and diamond jewelry only added to her regal presence. And let's not forget those racy lace boots and semi-sheer tights – because when you're Mariah Carey, you can pull off anything.

Ensuring she would also turn heads with her look was Tate McRae, 22, who looked phenomenal as she headed to Sabrina Carpenter's afterparty in Brooklyn.

Tate McRae: The Young Gun

Rounding out the trio of style icons was 22-year-old Tate McRae, who stunned in a sheer bodysuit at Sabrina Carpenter's afterparty in Brooklyn. Artful panels cleverly concealed her modesty, while her toned figure turned heads all night long.

The Winners (and Losers)

Days after being cleared of assault , Cardi looked ready to let loose as she headed to Raising Cane's bash in a plunging leopard print gown

But enough about fashion – let's get to the good stuff: the winners! Ariana Grande took home top honors for Video of the Year and Best Pop with "Brighter Days Ahead," cementing her status as one of the industry's hottest acts. Lady Gaga, meanwhile, dominated the awards with four Moon Persons, including Artist of the Year – but even she couldn't outshine Taylor Swift in terms of sheer drama.

Ariana Grande: The Underdog Story

Grande's win was a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. "This project is about the hard work that is healing all different kinds of drama and coming home to our young selves, including safety and our own lives," she said in her acceptance speech. "If you're on their journey, please continue because I promise there are brighter days ahead."

Adding to the look, she donned a pair of sheer stockings and black stilettos, while accessorising with silver chandelier earrings

The Drama Unfolds

But not everyone was as gracious about the wins. Gaga, who had been expected to sweep the awards, seemed... well, let's just say she was visibly disappointed when she took home her four Moon Persons instead of five. And Taylor Swift? Let's just say she wasn't exactly thrilled about losing Artist of the Year.

The Afterparties

Fantasy hitmaker Mariah looked every inch the diva as she sported oversized sunglasses while dripping with diamond jewellery

And speaking of afterparties – because that's what this article is all about – we've got the scoop on where music's elite came to let loose and have fun. From Sabrina Carpenter's bash in Brooklyn to Mariah Carey's performance at The Twenty Two hotel, it was a night to remember.

The Winners: A List of Who Took Home the Top Honors

  • Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – "Brighter Days Ahead"
  • Best Pop: Ariana Grande – "Brighter Days Ahead"
  • Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
  • Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – "Die With a Smile"
  • Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – "Short N Sweet"
  • Song of the Year: Rosé & Bruno Mars – "Apt"
  • Best New Artist: Alex Warren
  • MTV Push Performance of the Year: Katseye – "Touch"

Tate put her fantastic figure on display in a sheer bodysuit, with panels protecting her modesty

The Honorees

And in case you missed it, here are some of the biggest names honored at this year's VMAs:

  • Video Vanguard Award: Mariah Carey
  • Latin Icon Award: Ricky Martin
  • Rock The Bells Visionary Award: Busta Rhymes

Tate had all eyes on her as she sashayed into the event with a friend on her arm

So there you have it – a night to remember, with fashion, drama, and music all rolled into one. Stay tuned for next year's VMAs – we can't wait!

Lupita Nyong'o looked effortlessly chic in an oversized leather trench coat and brogues

Justine Skye showcased her incredible figure in a black mini dress with a keyhole cut out

Ariana Grande shocked as she triumphed over Lady Gaga who had the most nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on night where the Abracadabra hitmaker upset Taylor Swift

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off in fantastic form as Lady Gaga took home the first Moon Person of the night

Sabrina Carpenter triumphed over Gaga in the Best Album category for Short N Sweet

Song of the Year was given to Rosé and Bruno Mars for their hit track Apt

Mariah Carey was honored with one of the most coveted awards as she was presented the Video Vanguard Award by Ariana Grande

Ricky Martin was honored with the first ever Latin Icon Award as he performed a medley of his hits including Livin La Vida Loca and The Cup Of Life