Lady Gaga is ready to have a mayhem ball.
After all, the “Bad Romance” singer channeled Wednesday‘s macabre energy as she arrived in all-black to the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards Sept. 7.
Indeed, Gaga—who led the pack with 12 nominations—graced the stage to accept the Artist of the Year award in a black and purple floral lace Marc Jacobs FW25 gown. She accessorized the look, which featured black ruffles all over, with sheer lace gloves and red flowers tucked in her updo. She completed the look with red eyeshadow and matching lips, as well as bleached eyebrows.
The singer—who is competing in many of the most coveted categories, including Best Album for Mayhem and Video of the Year for “Die With a Smile,” with collaborator Bruno Mars—and her daring looks have been a staple for the award show. (See all the stars arriving here.)
Gaga’s appearance comes days after she postponed her Sept. 3 concert in Miami during her Mayhem Ball tour at the last minute due to a vocal cord issue.
“During rehearsal last night and my vocal warmup tonight, my voice was extremely strained and both my DR and vocal coach have advised me not to go on because of the risk it poses,” she shared on her Instagram Stories hours before the show. “I want to be hardcore and just push through for you, but I don’t want to risk long-term or permanent damage on my vocal cords.”
The 39-year-old emphasized that there was a “significant risk” for injury with the kind of performance she puts on.
“Even though this was a hard and agonizing decision, I would be more afraid of the long-term implications on my voice,” she added. “I hope you can accept my sincerest apologies for any disappointment, letdown, or inconvenience.”
Gaga—who is the most decorated VMA winner with 18 Moon Person trophies—concluded her message, reiterating her fans’ support. She concluded, “I love my fans so much, respect you and hope you can accept my sincere regretful apology.”
To see all the stars who attended the 2025 VMAs, keep reading.
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