Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Yungblud's Wild Return: From MTV Shocks to Stage Stardom

Yungblud made his return to the stage on Wednesday night, performing at The Fillmore in Michigan

Yungblud's Wild Ride: The Rocker's Bizarre Antics Steal the Spotlight at MTV VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards was a night to remember, and no one embodied that spirit more than Yungblud. The 28-year-old rocker took center stage alongside Aerosmith legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, leaving onlookers both fascinated and perplexed by his antics.

But it wasn't just during the awards ceremony that Yungblud made headlines. Just days prior, he returned to the stage at The Fillmore in Michigan, delivering an electrifying performance that left fans breathless. Wearing a leather co-ord, he stripped shirtless, showing off his chiseled abs as he belted out his biggest hits.

It comes just days after sparking concern with his bizarre antics alongside Aerosmith at the MTV Video Music Awards (pictured on Sunday)

But it's not just his music that has people talking – it's Yungblud's unapologetic flair for the dramatic. At Sunday's star-studded ceremony, he flashed his armpits and pulled a series of bizarre faces while joining Aerosmith on stage. Backstage, he continued to raise eyebrows with his eccentric poses alongside Tyler and Perry.

Viewers at home were quick to take to social media, sharing their reactions to Yungblud's over-the-top behavior. "A literal mess…," wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another chimed in, "He's obsessed with looking a damn mess!" But not everyone was as scathing – many praised the rocker for staying true to his artistic vision.

Yungblud has long been known for pushing boundaries and defying convention. As a tribute artist, he's always sought to honor the legends that inspire him while putting his own unique spin on their work. It's a delicate balance that requires both creativity and courage – qualities Yungblud possesses in spades.

Back in his own spotlight, Yungblud reminded fans why he¿s a livewire performer, delivering an electric set packed with his biggest hits

This year's MTV VMAs ceremony was marked by some truly unforgettable moments. Lady Gaga took home the coveted Artist of the Year award, beating out heavy hitters like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar. The 39-year-old performer has long been a force to be reckoned with in the music industry – her impressive win came as no surprise.

But it wasn't just Lady Gaga who made waves at the ceremony. Other notable winners included Ariana Grande (Video of the Year for "Brighter Days Ahead") and Sabrina Carpenter (Song of the Year for "Manchild"). And, in a thrilling upset, newcomer Alex Warren took home Best New Artist honors.

The 2025 MTV VMAs also paid tribute to some music legends. Mariah Carey received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, cementing her status as an industry icon. Meanwhile, Ricky Martin was honored with the Latin Icon Award and Busta Rhymes took home the Rock The Bells Visionary Award.

He arrived in a leather co-ord before stripping shirtless and wowing the crowd with his trademark wild energy

But it's Yungblud who remains at the forefront of our minds – for better or worse. Love him or hate him, one thing is certain: this rockstar isn't afraid to take risks and push boundaries in his art. And that's exactly what makes him so compelling.

Full List of 2025 MTV VMAs Winners

Here are all the winners from the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards:

At Sunday's award ceremony, Yungblud bared his tattooed chest and an array of gold chains, as he lifted his arms in the air

  • Video of the Year: Ariana Grande – "Brighter Days Ahead"
  • Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
  • Song of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – "Manchild"
  • Best New Artist: Alex Warren
  • MTV Push Performance of the Year, Presented by Bacardí Rum: Katseye – "Touch"
  • Best Collaboration, Presented by Under Armour: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – "Die With a Smile"
  • Best Pop: Ariana Grande – "Brighter Days Ahead"
  • Best Hip-Hop: Doechii – "Anxiety"
  • Best R&B: Mariah Carey – "Type Dangerous"
  • Best Alternative: Sombr – "Back to Friends"
  • Best Rock: Coldplay – "All My Love"
  • Best Latin: Shakira – "Soltera"
  • Best K-Pop: Lisa Featuring Doja Cat & Raye – "Born Again"
  • Best Afrobeats: Tyla – "Push 2 Start"
  • Best Country: Megan Moroney – "Am I Okay?"
  • Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter – "Short n' Sweet"
  • Best Long Form Video: Ariana Grande – "Brighter Days Ahead"
  • Video for Good: Charli XCX – "Guess Featuring Billie Eilish"
  • Best Direction: Lady Gaga – "Abracadabra"
  • Best Art Direction: Lady Gaga – "Abracadabra"
  • Best Cinematography: Kendrick Lamar – "Not Like Us"
  • Best Editing: Tate McRae – "Just Keep Watching (From F1 the Movie)"
  • Best Choreography: Doechii – "Anxiety"
  • Best Visual Effects: Sabrina Carpenter – "Manchild"
  • Best Group: Blackpink
  • Song of the Summer: Tate McRae – "Just Keep Watching (From F1 the Movie)"

And, in a night filled with surprises, it's clear that Yungblud will be back – and just as bold – next year.

He sported a variety of bizarre facial expressions in the pictures as he appeared to be making a roaring noise

He posed up with Taylor Momsen as they both showed off their abs

Yungblud honoured the late Ozzy Osbourne with a special tribute at the VMAs  (pictured together two weeks before he passed)