The MTV Video Music Awards 2025 brought viewers back to the early 2000s with its list of stars who defined the era, including Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and more.
Hosted by LL Cool J at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, September 7, the ceremony was filled with appearances and performances that could be considered “millennium core.”
But was this year’s ceremony deliberately tailored to evoke millennial nostalgia, or did it all just happen by accident?
What Makes the 2025 MTV VMAs So Millennial-Nostalgic?
It felt like the 2000s all over again when the 2025 MTV VMAs celebrated the era’s pop culture royalty, starting with Busta Rhymes receiving the very first MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
He even performed a medley and brought Glorilla on stage, creating a truly nostalgic moment in his red tracksuit.
After 20 years, Mariah Carey returned to the VMAs stage to perform a career-spanning medley in honor of her Video Vanguard Award.
Last performing at the ceremony in 2005, she sang “Sugar Sweet,” “Fantasy,” “Heartbreaker,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” and “We Belong Together,” leaving every millennial’s heart fluttering.
Of course, the millennium wouldn’t be complete without Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca.” He had everyone on their feet as he performed that hit alongside other songs in his medley.
Martin received the first-ever Latin Icon Award from another millennial star, Jessica Simpson.
Speaking of Jessica, rounding out the millennial icons were her sister, Ashlee, the Hilton siblings Paris and Nicky, Brittany Snow, Taylor Momsen, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, and others.
Younger stars also brought millennial vibes, with Doja Cat delivering a Janet Jackson-esque opening performance and Tate McRae channeling Britney Spears in a barely-there two-piece outfit.
With these performances and artists, it’s no surprise that some fans are calling the event “millennial-coded.”
Who Won Big at the 2025 MTV VMAs?
The 2025 MTV VMAs once again delivered several unforgettable moments with its lineup of big winners and performers.
Lady Gaga emerged as the most nominated artist of the night, receiving 12 nods and taking home four awards, including Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars for “Die With a Smile,” Best Direction, and Best Art Direction for “Abracadabra.”
Ariana Grande claimed the top video prize after her “Brighter Days Ahead” won Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Longform Video.
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT” took home Song of the Year, while Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching” was named Song of the Summer.
Alex Warren was recognized as Best New Artist, and Sabrina Carpenter won Best Pop Artist.
While the music scene today is filled with numerous new artists, the icons of the 2000s remain unforgettable, having made the industry more vibrant. The 2025 VMAs truly captured the hearts of millennial viewers and revived the spirit of MTV’s golden era.
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