The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were held on Sept. 7. During the award show, there were several notable performances by award-nominated and winning artists, including Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, and others, along with a tribute number for award-winning rock icon Ozzy Osbourne.
The performances started with a pre-show performance by global girl group, Katseye, where they performed their viral songs, “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.”
Soon after, the main show began with Doja Cat and Kenny G, an American saxophonist, performing her set, “Jealous Type.” Jealous Type is her brand new rap single, which was debuted during this performance. Doja Cat brought back an ’80s style to the VMA stage with technicolor lights and outfits that featured big hair, thigh-high boots, and animal print patterns.
The ’80s vibe followed into Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of her new song, “Tears,” from her album Man’s Best Friend, which dropped in August. Carpenter utilized her time on stage to address transgender rights and highlight her cast of drag and transgender dancers. Along with using her performance to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, Carpenter brought sparkles and color to the stage. Similar to Doja Cat, Carpenter had bright lights and bright costumes to showcase the energy of her new song. Liliana Aguilar, a junior at Santa Barbara High School (SBHS), was asked what she thought about Carpenter’s extravaganza, and responded with, “I feel she showcased the performance in a way I have never seen before and gave trans people representation in a fun, positive way.”
Separate from the vibe of Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat, Tate McRae hit the stage with her set “Revolving Door,” which consisted of two of her well-known songs, “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car”. McRae, who came straight from her tour, brought 15 dancers with her on stage. There were special effects included, such as a round stage filled with black sand and dancers painted with metallic body paint. “I would say that Tate’s performance was really impressive because she brought the whole music video vibe with her amazing dance skills and special effects,” Isel Rodriguez, a junior at SBHS, exclaimed about Tate’s performance.
Another highlight of the main show was a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, performed by Steven Tyler, Yungblud, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt. They performed Osbourne’s hits “Crazy Train,” ‘ Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Osbourne passed away in July, and this was a memorial for his iconic career.
The VMAs’ main show came to an end with a closing award for Video of the Year, which went to Ariana Grande for her song, “Brighter Days Ahead.” Though Grande did not perform, she gave a speech remarking on the power art and music have to heal others and her appreciation for her dedicated fans.
