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

Frosty Encounters and Lipstick Feasts: The Wild Highlights of the 2025 MTV VMAs

Ariana Grande has been accused of shading Sabrina Carpenter as an awkward encounter between them at the MVA Video Music Awards was caught on camera

VMAS 2025: The Most Jaw-Dropping Moments from the Star-Studded Ceremony

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards was a night to remember, filled with shocking performances, awkward encounters, and some seriously questionable fashion choices. From Lady Gaga's dramatic exit to Ariana Grande's alleged "shade" of Sabrina Carpenter, we're breaking down the most jaw-dropping moments from the VMAs.

The Drama Between Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter

A video of the two singers talking and hugging at the 2025 VMAs has gone viral thanks to a seemingly 'frosty' response from Ariana

It seems like there's still bad blood between Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter. The two pop stars were spotted getting cozy backstage at the VMAs, but things took a turn when Sabrina went to hug Ariana again – only to be met with a somewhat awkward "frosty" response from the "God Is a Woman" singer.

Fans were quick to call out Ariana for being "fake," and even body language expert Judi James weighed in on the situation. "Ariana holds her arms out for a frosty-looking partial hug that has 'brakes' on it via the holding of the elbows," she explained. "There is a small dance on the spot with excitement, but it's rather low-key compared to the rest of the performance."

Lady Gaga Steals the Show (Literally)

Mariah Carey has been brutally roasted online over her MTV Video Music Awards performance, with users slamming her for doing the 'bare minimum' on stage

In one of the most dramatic moments of the night, Lady Gaga made a surprise exit from the stage after her electrifying performance. But don't worry, she wasn't leaving without giving the audience a show-stopping finale – complete with a dramatic bow and a whispered "thank you" to the crowd.

Mariah Carey Gets Her Due

It's been a long time coming, but Mariah Carey finally received the recognition she deserves at the VMAs. The Songbird Supreme was honored with the coveted Video Vanguard Award, presented by none other than Ariana Grande. And let's just say it was a moment for the ages – complete with a heartfelt speech from Mariah and a show-stopping performance medley of her greatest hits.

Ariana Grande Bows to Her Idol

In one of the sweetest moments of the night, Ariana Grande presented Mariah Carey with the Video Vanguard Award. But things took a romantic turn when Ariana turned to Mariah and said, "As a vocalist, there's only one queen – and that's you." The two pop stars shared a heartfelt hug, and even exchanged a few sweet words before Ariana began bowing to her idol.

The VMAs Red Carpet: Where Fashion Goes to Die

This year's VMAs red carpet was a fashion disaster waiting to happen – and we're not just talking about Jessica Simpson's questionable plastic surgery. The blonde bombshell looked almost unrecognizable in a see-through dress that showcased her...ahem... Assets. But don't worry, she wasn't the only one pushing the boundaries of fashion this year.

Doja Cat: Lipstick Connoisseur

In one of the most jaw-dropping moments of the night, Doja Cat was spotted eating her lipstick on live TV. Yes, you read that right – the pop star chomped down on a tube of lip gloss like it was a snack at the movies. And let's just say it was a moment for the ages...or maybe not.

Many X users called her out for seeming 'stiff' and walking extremely slowly around the stage, while others accused her of lip syncing

Ice Spice: The Self-Promoter

It seems like Ice Spice is taking notes from her fellow rappers when it comes to self-promotion. While presenting an award with Latto, Ice Spice took the opportunity to plug their new song GYATT – complete with a raunchy music video that's been making waves online.

Ariana Grande Reacts to Yungblud's Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

Dressed in a sparkly gold body suit, she performed a medley of her hits afterwards, including Sugar Sweet, Fantasy, Honey, Obsessed, and It¿s Like That

In one of the most emotional moments of the night, Ariana Grande was spotted getting choked up during Yungblud's tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. The "Abyss" singer took to the stage with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt for a heartfelt performance of "Mama, I'm Coming Home." And let's just say it was a moment that left even Ariana Grande speechless.

Yungblud: Shirtless and Wild

It seems like Yungblud is taking his rockstar persona to new heights – or should we say, new lows. The 28-year-old singer showed off his abs on the red carpet, complete with some seriously wild poses for the cameras. And let's just say it was a moment that left fans...well, not exactly impressed.

After receiving her first-ever VMAs on Sunday night, Mariah Carey shaded MTV for waiting so long to recognize her and her work; seen receiving an award from Ariana Grande

The VMAs: A Night of Surprises and Awkward Encounters

It seems like the VMAs are always good for one thing – drama. From Lady Gaga's dramatic exit to Ariana Grande's alleged "shade" of Sabrina Carpenter, there was no shortage of surprises (and awkward encounters) this year. But let's be real – it's all part of what makes the VMAs so iconic.

And that's a wrap on the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards! Whether you were left speechless by Doja Cat's lipstick stunt or shook to the core by Yungblud's shirtless appearance, there was no shortage of jaw-dropping moments this year. So stay tuned for next year's VMAs – and get ready for even more drama, surprises, and fashion disasters.

Sabrina Carpenter, 26, left fans divided with her raunchy performance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, during which she advocated for trans rights

Some have accused the singer of 'fetishizing' the trans community with her rendition of her latest single, 'Tears,' which features explicit lyrics

Her background dancers also carried signs that read 'In trans we trust', 'Dolls, dolls, dolls,' 'Support drag,' 'Protect trans rights' and 'If you hate, you’ll never get laid'

Not all of her fans were pleased, with one accusing the singer of turning womanhood 'into a plastic, hyperfeminine, hypersexualized product designed to cater to and be sold to men'

But others defended the singer, saying it was 'absurd' to take issue with the performance which was 'defending trans rights'

Tate McRae injected a spicy touch to the awards show as she delivered a steamy performance of Revolving Door and Sports Car

One fan gushed McRae 'was so f**king hot in the performance'

The performance soon turned steamy as she slithered about in a giant sand box

Not everyone in the audience at UBS Arena appeared to love McRare's performance, including Ariana Grande's older brother Frankie Grande

The 42-year-old — who was there in support of Ariana along with their mother Joan — was caught making a sour expression as McRae performed her racy routine

However, Frankie looked to be a fan of McRae's later in the night as she approached his A-list sister for a chat and a photo

Lady Gaga made a dramatic exit out of the 2025 MTV VMAs just moments after winning one of the night's biggest honors

As she took to the stage to accept the award for Artist Of The Year, the singer, 39, told the cheering crowd that she had to urgently leave before the ceremony was over

Ozzy Osbourne was honored at Sunday night's 2025 MTV Video Music Awards following his death at age 76 in July

An image of the beloved late singer was projected from a large screen in the background of the performance

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, 77, and Joe Perry, 74, delivered a moving tribute alongside Yungblud, 28, and Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, 58

As Youngblud united with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to perform their Ozzy Osbourne tribute during Sunday's big show in New York, Grande was caught reacting to the performance in real time

Five years after gracing the VMAs stage together to perform their hit Rain On Me, Ariana reunited with fellow pop star and pal Lady Gaga at Sunday night's ceremony

Doja left fans grossed out as she performed a shocking act on the red carpet at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

While playfully applying red lipstick to her plump pout, Doja stunned photographers when she suddenly took a bite out of the makeup product and began to eat it

Fans of the Kiss Me More singer flocked to social media to react to her 'insane' act, with many left completely stunned

Jessica Simpson looked unrecognizable as she arrived at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards ¿ marking her first appearance at the event in nearly 20 years

Showing off a noticeably plumper pout and a wrinkle-free visage, the singer/actress looked much younger than her 45 years while posing for photos on the red carpet

While presenting the Push Performance of the Year award with fellow rapper Latto, Ice Spice decided to use the moment to promote her new song

After presenting Mariah Carey with her Video Vanguard Award, Ariana Grande bowed to her

Fans blasted Yungblud, 28, as he attempted to shock by going shirtless on the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet

Yungblud - who performed an Ozzy Osbourne tribute at the event - donned a pair of black leather pants with matching boots as he accessorized with gunmetal colored accessories including belt buckle, bracelets, and necklaces

Many took to social media to express concern about the rising musician