Overview

• The VMAs took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, Long Island, with LL Cool J hosting the live broadcast on CBS and MTV and streaming on Paramount+.
• Lady Gaga led all nominees with 12 nods and delivered an acceptance speech after taking Artist of the Year.
• The show introduced two categories, Best Artist Country and Best Artist Pop, expanding its genre recognition.
• Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, Ricky Martin accepted the inaugural Latin Icon Award, and Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, alongside a posthumous Ozzy Osbourne tribute featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt.
• Alex Warren won Best New Artist, and the all-time VMA wins race between Taylor Swift and Beyoncé remained tied at 30 as neither gained ground in Artist of the Year.