Prepare for style that’s out of this world.
As the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 kicked off on Sept. 7, the best and brightest stars in music descended upon the UBS Arena in New York wearing their boldest looks yet.
Doja Cat turned heads on the red carpet in a colorful diamond checkered mini dress featuring a plunging neckline adorned with pink sparkles by Balmain, while Bachelor Nation’s Gabby Windey left little to the imagination in a black lacy gown with jaw-dropping cutouts.
And with so many Moon Person trophies up for grabs, the competition heading into the LL Cool J-hosted award show—broadcasting for the first time on CBS and livestreaming on Paramount+ with a simulcast on MTV—was as fierce as the fashion.
Lady Gaga led the pack of nominees with a whopping 12 nods, including in the Artist of the Year category against Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and Morgan Wallen. Following closely behind the Mother Monster was her “Die With a Smile” collaborator Bruno Mars, who racked up 11 nominations ahead of the ceremony.
And Sabrina Carpenter was a busy woman, earning nine nods while BLACKPINK‘s Rosé was on her way with eight. (Click here to see the complete list of nominees.)
As for the much-coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award? Mariah Carey joined past recipients such as Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Pink, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna.
Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes was honored with the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, with Ricky Martin receiving the inaugural Latin Icon Award.
But those were just the stars up for a Moon Person. This year’s lineup of performers boasted tons of big names as well, including Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Tate McRae and Conan Gray. Of course, Mariah, Nusta and Ricky were also slated to perform a medley of hits celebrating their respective careers.
But before they hit the stage, read on to see all the stars on the red carpet.
Lady Gaga
In Marc Jacobs.
Sabrina Carpenter
In custom Valentino.
Ariana Grande
In custom Fendi and Swarovski jewelry.
Jessica Simpson
In Christian Siriano.
Doja Cat
In Balmain.
Ice Spice
In Ralph Lauren.
Paris Hilton
In The Blonds.
FKA twigs
Conan Gray
In Erik Charlotte.
GloRilla
In Helen Anthony.
Lenny Kravitz
In Saint Laurent.
Ciara
In Schiaparelli.
Taylor Momsen
Alix Earle
In Tom Ford.
Tyla
In vintage Chanel.
Ricky Martin
Tate McRae
In custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Nicky Hilton
Yungblud
Ashlee Simpson
Malin Akerman
Brittany Snow
Summer Walker
With a Simitri bag.
Megan Moroney
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Lauren Sorrentino
Sexxy Red
Nikki Glaser
In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
KATSEYE
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Ty Dolla $ign
