2025 VMAs Behind the Scenes: Drama, Music, Unseen Moments

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 Us Weekly.

From famous faces unveiling killer dance moves away from the cameras inside New York City’s UBS Arena, to the musical performance that scored the night’s most rambunctious applause, non-stop behind-the-scenes action kept Us on the edge of its seat 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 Moon Person 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 Ariana after giving her a hug.

Ariana Grande Fangirled Over Lola Young

While Ariana 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 “Brighter Days Ahead” 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 to KATSEYE, Ariana and fashion stylist Law Roach leaving their seats together and rapper Sexyy Red hugging Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D. Ariana 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, his half-sister 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.

Mariah Carey Appeared Uncomfortable

The musical icon appeared to walk very slowly throughout the venue. She also looked to be quite stiff-like at times.

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 that particular 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 other category announcements.

Sabrina Carpenter Dropped the F-Bomb

During her acceptance speech for Album of the Year, Carpenter expressed her passion for the queer community with a surprising expletive. “This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity,” she said. “So to get to be part of something that can bring light, make you smile, make you dance, and make you feel like the world is your f***ing oyster. I’m so grateful to do that.”