The VMAs aren’t about subtlety, but 2025’s carpet took that to an Olympic level. From oversized puffers to sheer tassel gowns, the red carpet doubled as a fever dream where Dunkin’ bags, sailor hats, and whips all counted as accessories. Still, when the smoke cleared, history was made onstage: Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Sabrina Carpenter dominated while newcomers like Alex Warren and Sombr had their breakthrough moments.

Here’s the full breakdown of the chaos and the champions.

Bedazzled Color Chaos

Doja Cat wore a purple-and-yellow plaid mini dripping in jewels, Zara Larsson nearly went full nude in tassels and floral appliqués, and Summer Walker made pants happen with glitter and a massive turquoise fuzzy hat. Subtlety wasn’t just missing — it was blacklisted.

Questionable Reds

FKA twigs’ shredded scarlet strips barely counted as a fit. Ciara drowned in an oversized sweatshirt-mini, and Sexyy Red brought out the whip in leather. Red hot or red flag? You decide.

Off-White and Offbeat

Megan Stalter’s circle gown and bedazzled Dunkin’ clutch set a new standard for camp. Maria Zardoya gave CBS censors heart palpitations with a full reveal, and Rebecca Black doubled down with fur and lace, proving her comeback is as chaotic as ever.

Black Carpet Drama

Lady Gaga ruffled herself into oblivion. Audrey Nuna vanished into a duvet-inspired cape and puffer boots. And JHart? His lace trackie literally sprouted extra hands. Award season or horror season?

Pattern Chaos

Snooki hit vintage floral, Ice Spice went corset-over-plaid patchwork, and Frankie Grande closed the thrift-store trifecta in yellow tiger stripes with panda eyes. Three looks, one collective headache.

And the Winners Were…

Despite the chaos, music history was made:

• Video of the Year: Ariana Grande, Brighter Days Ahead
• Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter, Short n’ Sweet
• Best Pop: Ariana Grande, Brighter Days Ahead
• Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga
• Song of the Year: Rosé & Bruno Mars, APT.
• Best New Artist: Alex Warren
• Best R&B: Mariah Carey, Type Dangerous
• Best Hip-Hop: Doechii, Anxiety
• Best Country: Megan Moroney, Am I Okay?
• Best Rock: Coldplay, All My Love
• Best Alternative: Sombr, back to friends
• Best K-pop: LISA ft. Doja Cat & Raye, Born Again
• Best Afrobeats: Tyla, PUSH 2 START
• Best Latin: Bad Bunny, BAILE INoLVIDABLE
• Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
• Song of Summer: Tate McRae, Just Keep Watching
• Best Group: BLACKPINK
• Best Collaboration: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Die With a Smile
• Video for Good: Charli xcx ft. Billie Eilish, Guess
• Technical Highlights:
  • 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
  • Best Visual Effects: Sabrina Carpenter, Manchild
  • Best Choreography: Doechii, Anxiety

The Takeaway

The 2025 VMAs gave us Ariana reclaiming her pop crown, Sabrina proving she’s a superstar, Gaga sweeping both music and visuals, and enough red carpet disasters to fuel memes for weeks. Music’s wildest night delivered — whether you loved it or cringed through it.