The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards brought out the industry’s brightest stars.
But while the event’s best and worst moments kept fans glued to their TV screens on Sunday, September 7, a night full of untelevised moments were seen firsthand only by Luxury Handbag Shopping courtesy of our prime viewing spot in the Bacardí suite. In the suite, celebs, including Love Island USA season seven contestants Nicolas Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, were served Bacardí’s special Moonwalk Mojito, the official cocktail of the VMAs.
From famous faces unveiling killer dance moves away from the cameras inside New York’s UBS Arena, to the musical performance that scored the night’s most rambunctious applause, nonstop behind-the-scenes action kept Us on the edge of our seats all night.
As for the event’s most decorated artist, Lady Gaga, she offered brief but sweet interactions with a select few, while Ariana Grande, who came out with three of her own Moonperson trophies, made time for almost everybody in the room.
Elsewhere, surprising friendships came to light, awkward run-ins couldn’t be avoided and Mariah Carey finally took home the statue she’d long been waiting for.
Scroll down for more 2025 VMAs action exclusively caught by Us.
Lady Gaga Arrived Late
The Artist of the Year recipient was unable to attend the entire ceremony due to a conflicting Mayhem Ball concert date at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Gaga arrived after LL Cool J’s opening monologue and quickly took her place in the front row next to Grande after giving her a hug.
Ariana Grande Fangirled Over Lola Young
While Grande walked away from the night with the Video of the Year, Best Pop and Best Longform Video trophies, she was also an avid supporter of her industry peers. Us spotted the singer offering Lola Young a standing ovation after her performance.
Stars Took Their Time Catching Up With Each Other
Us saw plenty of star-powered interaction throughout the night, including FKA Twigs chatting with Katseye, Grande and fashion stylist Law Roach leaving their seats together and rapper Sexyy Red hugging Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D. Grande made sure she chatted to several industry friends, including Carey after she presented her with the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McCrae and Too Much star Megan Stalter, whom she hugged.
Ricky Martin’s Performance Rocked the House
The “Livin’ la Vida Loca” star, who arrived on stage in a box, brought the house down with Tyla, Frankie Grande, Ariana, Katseye, FKA Twigs and other artists jumping out of their seats to dance. Speaking of standout musical acts, Busta Rhymes also raised energy levels and got everyone standing.
A Technical Glitch Made Katseye’s Award Awkward
Ice Spice and Latto didn’t read “Katseye” while presenting the Push Performance of the Year award. Music began playing as the presenters were about to open the winner’s envelope. An awkward pause was felt before Katseye suddenly got on the stage.
Frankie Grande Loved Alex Warren’s Performance
Seen jamming to Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” Frankie was the only person in his section to stand during the performance. He also raised his hands in the air as he enjoyed the track.
Ed Sheeran Failed to Attract Many Cheers
When Ed Sheeran’s “Sapphire” was announced in the category of Best Pop, hardly anybody was heard cheering compared to fellow nominees Carpenter, Warren, Gaga, Bruno Mars and Rosé.
