VMAs 2025 Review: The VMAs Are Back

Are the VMAs back? Or was MTV simply pandering to my millennial sensibilities at the 2025 VMAs?

There had to be someone at MTV whispering “do it for the 30-somethings” into the ears of the producers. Or maybe the millennials are in charge now. Whatever—all I know is that when I saw the stars arriving on the red carpet at the UBS Arena on September 7, I felt as though I’d tripped, hit my head, and woken up in the year 2009. The guest list was littered with early ’00s pop culture royalty—Ciara, Ricky Martin, the Simpsons (sisters Ashlee and Jessica), the Hiltons (sisters Paris and Nicky), Brittany Snow, Taylor Momsen, Mike “the Situation” Sorrentino, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, and many, many more.

Video Vanguard winner Mariah Carey.

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Of course, stoking our collective nostalgia for views is nothing new to the awards show. That’s basically the reason for the Video Vanguard Award, which is given each year to an artist for lifetime achievement.

In addition to the Vanguard Award, which was presented to Mariah Carey this year (rumor has it she’s still slowly shuffling off the stage. Take all the time you need, queen!), MTV bestowed its first ever Latin Icon Award to Ricky Martin, who, I’m happy to report, has absolutely still got it. Fans got an extra hit of that sweet, sweet nostalgia when Jessica Simpson presented him with the award and reminded the audience that, back in 1999, she opened for him on his Livin’ La Vida Loca tour.