The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, delivered a night brimming with nostalgia, heartfelt tributes, and the unmistakable energy of today’s leading pop stars. For many, the event’s defining moments weren’t just about who took home the biggest trophies, but about the emotional resonance of its performances and the powerful sense of musical legacy on display.
One of the night’s most talked-about performances was Doja Cat’s dazzling live debut of her new single, “Jealous Guy.” According to MusicRadar, the performance was a deliberate homage to the ‘80s, channeling the iconic production style of Jam & Lewis. The stage was set for a retro-inspired spectacle, but the surprise appearance of legendary woodwind virtuoso Kenny G on clarinet took the crowd by storm. As Doja Cat descended to the stage, Kenny G’s smooth clarinet lines set the mood, transporting the audience back to an era when pop and R&B blurred lines in new and exciting ways.
Doja Cat’s choreography, too, was steeped in the influences of Janet Jackson—one of Jam & Lewis’s most famous muses. In a particularly memorable moment, she and her bandmates, keytar and guitar in hand, performed in tight, synchronized formation, evoking memories of The Time, the Prince-affiliated band that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis once called home. (Prince, for the record, famously fired them, but their legacy lives on.) The performance, with its blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair, underscored the ongoing influence of ‘80s funk and pop on today’s chart-toppers.
Yet, while Doja Cat’s set paid tribute to a bygone era, the night’s biggest awards went to the current queens of pop. Lady Gaga emerged as a dominant force, winning Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her work with Bruno Mars. Ariana Grande, another perennial favorite, claimed both Video of the Year and Best Pop. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter continued her ascent with wins for Best Pop Artist and Best Album, capping her achievements with a sharp, self-aware performance of her latest single, “Tears.”
But the awards themselves were only part of the story. The night’s emotional center belonged to a tribute that brought together generations of rock icons and fans alike. Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness,” who passed away in July 2025 at the age of 76, was honored with a medley of his greatest hits. The tribute began with a poignant video message from Osbourne’s family. According to the Evening Standard, his son Jack, flanked by Ozzy’s granddaughters, addressed the crowd: “I wish we could be there with you all tonight as you celebrate my dad's amazing musical journey. I know for sure it would make him incredibly happy to see these great musicians carry on his legacy and help inspire the next generation of rockers.” The message concluded with his granddaughters signing off, “In the words of our Papa, let’s go crazy!”
The stage was then set for a supergroup performance that would become the talk of social media. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, at 77, defied the odds by delivering vocals on “Mama, I’m Coming Home”—even after suffering a fractured larynx and damaged vocal cords during Aerosmith’s Peace Out tour in 2023. Tyler was joined by Aerosmith bandmate Joe Perry, British rocker Yungblud, and guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt. Together, they powered through a medley of Osbourne classics, including “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
The performance was more than just a run-through of hits. It was a testament to the enduring power of rock and the emotional connections that bind artists and audiences across generations. Yungblud, who had performed with Osbourne only weeks before his death, paid tribute to his late friend ahead of the show, sharing a black-and-white photo and writing, “They’ve asked me to pay tribute to you at the @vmas on Sunday night. I’ll try my best to do you proud Oz. Tune in from up there. I love you forever.”
The crowd’s response was immediate and overwhelming. Tyler’s voice, raw yet resilient, brought a new depth to “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” As the performance reached its climax, fans online lit up with praise. On YouTube, one viewer declared it the “coolest thing to happen on VMAs in the last 25 years.” Another wrote, “Now THAT was a proper tribute.” A third summed up the sentiment, saying, “EVERYTHING about this performance, Steven’s voice and spirit still giving it all, also YB pulling out all the cards, and the way you can see Steven getting emotional at the very end when he flicks his hand and covers his face with it. Respect, perfect tribute, perfect soulful, fiery performance all those involved!!”
The tribute wasn’t just a celebration of Osbourne’s music—it was a reminder of his impact on the world of rock and the generations of musicians he inspired. The heartfelt words from his family, the passion of the performers, and the enthusiastic response from fans online all underscored the deep connection Osbourne forged with listeners throughout his career.
Elsewhere, the night’s programming reflected the current dominance of female artists in pop. Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter’s wins highlighted the ongoing shift in the industry, where women are not only making chart-topping music but also redefining what it means to be a pop superstar. Their performances and acceptance speeches served as both a celebration of their achievements and a call to the next generation of artists to keep pushing boundaries.
The MTV VMAs have always been a stage for memorable moments, but the 2025 edition stood out for its blend of reverence for the past and excitement for the future. From Kenny G’s smooth clarinet and Doja Cat’s electrifying choreography to a tearful, triumphant tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the night offered something for every music fan—reminding viewers that while styles and stars may change, the power of music to move, unite, and inspire remains as strong as ever.
As the final notes of the Ozzy tribute faded and the arena erupted in applause, it was clear that the 2025 MTV VMAs had delivered more than just awards. They had offered a fitting farewell to a rock legend, a spotlight for rising stars, and a celebration of the enduring magic that only live music can provide.
