The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on Sunday, September 7 at UBS Arena in New York, delivered a night full of unforgettable moments that highlighted LGBTQ artistry, community, and joy.
Queer stars lit up the red carpet, where GLAADs Yolanda Lenge caught up with talent including Rebecca Black, Gigi Perez and Frankie Grande, who spoke about “representing for the community and pushing the boundaries”.
One of the early standout moments came when Yungblud honored late metal god and LGBTQ ally Ozzy Osbourne, proving that queer energy thrives even in the heaviest corners of rock. Rising star Conor Gray also turned heads with his theatrical take on “Vodka Cranberry,” a queer ‘Romeo & Juliet’ inspired performance alongside former Disney actor Corey Fogelmanis.
Ricky Martin took home the Latin Icon Award, and Lady Gaga, another longtime LGBTQ champion, secured Artist of the Year. But the queerest and most talked-about moment of the night belonged to Sabrina Carpenter.
Sabrina transformed the stage into a stormy wonderland, bringing together RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Denali, Lexi Love, Laganja Estranja, Symone, and Willam, alongside ballroom icons Honey Balenciaga and Malik Brehon. As rain poured down, they delivered electrifying choreography before raising powerful signs that read “In Trans We Trust,” “Dolls Dolls Dolls,” “Support Local Drag,” and “Protect Trans Rights.”
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The performance paid homage to Sabrina’s acclaimed “Tears” music video, which nods to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and features queer legend Colman Domingo in full drag.
On the red carpet, Yolanda caught up with the queens, who couldn’t contain their excitement. Denali shared how honored she felt to be part of such an iconic moment, while Willam reflected on the full-circle joy of performing with Sabrina after sharing the stage with Miley Cyrus at the VMAs a decade ago. Laganja, never one to shy away from the spotlight, summed it up perfectly: “This is what I was born to do, I love the camera, the lights, the action.”
Later in the night, Sabrina accepted the award for Best Album and delivered one of the evening’s most heartfelt speeches:
“This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity. So to get to be part of something that can bring you light, make you smile, make you dance, and make you feel like the world is yours. I’m so grateful. And to my queens on stage with me tonight, thank you.”
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Ariana Grande also had her own memorable queer moment while accepting Best Pop for “Brighter Days Ahead.” After thanking her fans and MTV, she closed her speech with a signature wink at her LGBTQ fanbase: “Thank you to my therapist and gay people. I love you.”
This year’s VMAs proved once again that music’s biggest night shines brightest when it celebrates queer power, creativity, and community.
