I love VMA. Because they give us epic moments to talk for days. And the same goes for this year.
From the adoring moments offered by showbiz veterans Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Busta Rhymes to young talents like Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae and Alex Warren, the 2025 MTV VMA was not disappointed with the current hit.
But despite catching all of that on TV, there was a lot of fun going on behind the scenes, off the camera, with the audience. Check out some of the behind-the-scenes moments that you didn’t do on screen.
The moment with the fans
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Ariana Grande took a little time to sign some autographs for fans before the show.
With the goat
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She was portrayed with applause as the crowd cheered for Lady Gaga.
From diva to diva
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The “Seven Ring” singer later posed behind the scenes with Mariah Carey after unveiling a musical legend at this year’s Video Vanguard Awards.
Latin icon
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Latin Icon Award winner Ricky Martin signs out after delivering a stunning performance at the top of the show.
The intersection of the world
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Sexxy Red and Rosé give a bit of “bad angel, good angel” action during the show break.
With love from Memphis
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Memphis natives Glorilla and Yo Gotti sat side by side during the show.
Wife for my wife
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Wife co-stars Marine Akerman and Brittany Snow gave selfies to the audience (hopefully sending them to other wives to ask about season 2).
Songbird
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Sabrina Carpenter and Summer Walker showed off their fuzzy accessories.
All girls
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Ariana Grande was caught between the stars of Katzi.
Sister, Sister
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Sisters Ashtin and Alix Earl strolled behind the scenes before the big show.
Just a girl
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Yunsha gave fellow Katzi bandmate Sofia a simple lip gloss touch-up in the middle of the show.
The sparkling crew
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Megan Moloney, Marine Akerman and Brittany Snow brought sparkle to their sparkly ensemble sections.
All Dramas
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Taylor Mamasen and Frankie Grande exchanged (assuming) eye makeup tips behind the scenes.
Rockin’ Pair
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Momsen also clearly coordinated the AB routine with fellow rocker Yungblud.
The villain behind the scenes
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Ice spices and rats bring a sexy vibe before introducing Katzie to this year’s push performance.
It’s called cheese
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The Katzi girl caught her taking her own selfie, which was so adorable.
The power of a girl
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After that, all the girls gathered for great photos that made you wonder when the collaboration would come.
It’s the best in New York
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The first Rocksabels Visionary Award Honorary Award Basta Raimus posed for his longtime collaborators Spliffstar and Joyner Lucas and Papus.
Short and sweet
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Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande approached as they posed together during the show break.
Take a break
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Zara Larsson and Livvy Dunne kept them chilled and cute while hanging out in their seats.
Star Power
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Doja Cat and FKA Twigs brought artistic flares to their costumes at this year’s show.
Crossing path
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Bailey Zimmerman appeared to be in party mode while hanging with Yungblud.
Date night
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Papus and Claressa Shield look loved in the audience.