Pop star Ariana Grande emerged as the big winner at the MTV Video Music Awards, with Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter also securing significant accolades at a glitzy ceremony honoring fan favorites in New York on Sunday. Grande not only clinched the prestigious video of the year award but also scooped up the best pop video prize, garnering attention for her shoutout to her therapists and the LGBTQ+ community in her acceptance speech.
Gaga, the most nominated artist of the night, started off strong by nabbing the artist of the year title and later wowed the audience with a streamed performance at Madison Square Garden. Emphasizing the profound impact of artistry, Gaga expressed that being an artist is about connecting people worldwide on a soulful level and inspiring them to dream and feel emotions.
The event was also marked by tributes and honors, with Sabrina Carpenter receiving multiple awards, including the best pop artist and best album for “Short n’ Sweet.” Ricky Martin was recognized with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, celebrating his four-decade-long career in music and his dedication to uniting audiences through his music.
Busta Rhymes was lauded with the first-ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and artists like Mariah Carey and the late Ozzy Osbourne were commemorated for their contributions to the music industry. Mariah Carey, honored with the video vanguard award, delivered a captivating medley of her hits, while a star-studded lineup paid homage to Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic songs.
In addition to these tributes, various artists graced the stage, including Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Post Malone, J Balvin, and others, showcasing their talents and adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the evening.