VMAs 2025 Performance Reviews – The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards delivered one of the most electrifying nights in recent memory, with performances that ranged from absolutely stunning to surprisingly underwhelming. Hosted by LL Cool J at New York’s UBS Arena on September 7, the VMAs 2025 performance reviews reveal a night where established superstars dominated while newcomers fought for their spotlight.
Sabrina Carpenter Steals the Show with Provocative “Tears” Performance
Sabrina Carpenter emerged as the night’s most talked-about performer with her brutally honest and politically charged rendition of “Tears”. Rising dramatically from a manhole in a dimly lit New York alley set, Carpenter surrounded herself with drag queens and LGBTQ+ performers holding signs reading “Protect Trans Rights” and “Support Local Drag”. The performance culminated in a steamy Flashdance-inspired finale where Carpenter ended soaked under a shower, showcasing her evolution from Disney darling to fearless pop provocateur.
Social media erupted with praise for Carpenter’s activism, with one fan posting: “Thank you Sabrina Carpenter FOR THAT PERFORMANCE and standing up for the trans community. You don’t understand how much it means to see one of the biggest pop stars in the world stand up for us”. The performance perfectly embodied the VMAs 2025 performance reviews theme of artists using their platforms for meaningful statements.
Lady Gaga’s Madison Square Garden Spectacle
Lady Gaga took the concept of a remote performance to new heights by broadcasting live from her sold-out Madison Square Garden show during her Mayhem Ball tour. Performing “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance” in an elaborate red ballgown before descending into a cage for her transformation, Gaga reminded everyone why she remains pop’s ultimate theatrical force. One social media user perfectly captured the moment: “kinda iconic how Lady Gaga basically said ‘this VMAs crowd just isn’t big enough…’ and rode over to Madison Square Garden to perform her music for her own sold-out crowd”.
Doja Cat Opens Strong with ’80s Nostalgia
Doja Cat kicked off the ceremony with maximum impact, delivering “Jealous Type” in a Max Headroom-inspired video takeover before hitting the stage. Her collaboration with jazz legend Kenny G added an unexpected saxophone solo that elevated the ’80s-themed performance. Dressed in a white crop top and black trousers, Doja’s energy was infectious as she commanded the audience to sing along. The performance set the tone for what many called the most “millennial-coded” VMAs in years.
Mariah Carey Finally Gets Her Due
After being nominated eight times without a competitive win, Mariah Carey finally claimed her first MTV VMA with the Video Vanguard Award. Her medley performance included career-defining hits like “Fantasy,” “Honey,” “Heartbreaker,” and “We Belong Together,” showcasing the music videos that defined ’90s and early 2000s pop culture. Carey’s quip upon accepting the award – “What took you so long?!” – became an instant meme and perfectly encapsulated fan sentiment about the long-overdue recognition.
Busta Rhymes Brings Hip-Hop Royalty Energy
Receiving the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, Busta Rhymes delivered a masterclass in rap performance. His medley included “Break Ya Neck,” showcasing his legendary rapid-fire delivery, and classics like “Gimme Some More” and “Scenario”. Joined by GloRilla, Joyner Lucas, and Papoose, all dressed in red and gold, Busta’s performance reminded viewers why he’s considered one of hip-hop’s most dynamic entertainers.
The Newcomers: Mixed Results
Alex Warren showed promise with his two-song set, transitioning from “Eternity” with a drumline introduction to “Ordinary” in a forest-themed setting with clouds and sunlight. His unique voice and heavenly staging earned positive reviews, though some felt the production overshadowed his natural talent.
Sombr made his VMAs debut with “Back to Friends,” performing in a photo booth before moving to a rehearsal space set. While his authentic pop sound impressed, technical issues with echo effects detracted from what could have been a breakout moment.
Red Carpet Fashion: Bold Statements and Vintage Glamour
The VMAs 2025 red carpet embraced maximalism, with celebrities treating their outfits as artistic statements. Sabrina Carpenter stunned in a custom Valentino red sequined gown paired with a lavender feather boa, channeling Old Hollywood glamour while maintaining her playful edge. Doja Cat made headlines in a Balmain harlequin mini dress with pastel blue and yellow patterns, complemented by 185 carats of diamonds from Chopard.
Ariana Grande returned to the VMAs in a custom Fendi black and white polka dot column gown inspired by a 1950s Simonetta design, continuing her Wicked-era pink aesthetic. Tate McRae pushed boundaries in an ultra-sheer Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown that perfectly embodied the VMAs’ tradition of risk-taking fashion.
Social Media Reactions: Millennial Nostalgia Dominates
The 2025 VMAs sparked massive social media engagement, with fans particularly celebrating the show’s nostalgic millennial energy. The combination of LL Cool J hosting, performances by Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin, transported viewers back to the early 2000s. Twitter users created viral memes celebrating the “Y2K vibes” and the return of MTV’s golden era aesthetic.
Sabrina Carpenter’s trans rights activism generated the most positive social media buzz, with LGBTQ+ advocates praising her use of the platform for meaningful advocacy. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga’s remote performance concept sparked debates about the future of award show appearances.
Award Winners: Surprises and Snubs
Lady Gaga dominated the night with 12 nominations and won Artist of the Year, though she had to leave early for her Madison Square Garden show. Ariana Grande claimed Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead,” while Rosé made history as the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year for “APT” with Bruno Mars.
Sabrina Carpenter took home Best Album for “Short n’ Sweet,” cementing her evolution into a major pop force. The wins reflected the VMAs’ continued relevance in recognizing both mainstream success and artistic innovation.
The Verdict: A Night of Contrasts
The VMAs 2025 performance reviews reveal a night where established superstars like Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Doja Cat delivered career-defining moments, while newer artists like Sabrina Carpenter used the platform for meaningful activism. The ceremony successfully balanced nostalgia with contemporary relevance, creating viral moments that dominated social media for days afterward.
While some performances suffered from technical issues or over-production, the overall energy and star power made this one of the most memorable VMAs in recent years. The combination of powerful performances, stunning fashion, and meaningful messages proved that the VMAs remain pop culture’s most unpredictable and essential awards show.
Frequently Asked Questions About VMAs 2025 Performance Reviews
Q: Who gave the best performance at the VMAs 2025?
A: VMAs 2025 performance reviews consistently highlight Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears” performance as the night’s standout, combining theatrical staging with political activism. Lady Gaga’s remote performance from Madison Square Garden also received widespread critical acclaim.
Q: What made Sabrina Carpenter’s VMAs performance controversial?
A: Sabrina Carpenter’s performance featured drag queens holding “Protect Trans Rights” signs and ended with a provocative water finale paying homage to Flashdance. The political messaging and suggestive choreography sparked both praise for activism and criticism from conservative viewers.
Q: How did social media react to the VMAs 2025 performances?
A: Social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with fans celebrating the “millennial-coded” nostalgia and praising Sabrina Carpenter’s trans rights advocacy. Lady Gaga’s remote performance concept and Mariah Carey’s long-overdue VMA win became viral talking points.
Q: Which VMAs 2025 performance had the most technical issues?
A: Sombr’s debut performance of “Back to Friends” suffered from echo effects that detracted from his authentic pop sound, according to VMAs 2025 performance reviews. Despite the technical challenges, his unique voice still impressed viewers.
Q: What were the standout fashion moments at VMAs 2025?
A: The red carpet featured bold maximalist fashion, with Sabrina Carpenter’s Valentino red sequined gown, Doja Cat’s diamond-embellished Balmain harlequin dress, and Tate McRae’s ultra-sheer gown leading the best-dressed lists.
The information in this article is based on detailed coverage from trusted entertainment and news outlets including USA Today, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Rolling Stone, and Deadline. Further insights, social media reactions, and fashion highlights were drawn from Yahoo News Canada and various social media platforms covering VMAs 2025 moments, particularly focusing on Sabrina Carpenter’s acclaimed performance.
