MTV VMAs 2025 red carpet: Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Katseye and more – in pictures

On this year’s Video Music awards red carpet, pop’s biggest stars opt for underwear as outerwear and a surprising amount of facial hair

by · the Guardian

Drag race star Symone is frilled to be here, in a skirt suit by Georgian fashion designer Keburia.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

From her hair to her quilted, pastel Balmain minidress, rapper Doja Cat is channelling the Nanny’s Fran Fine.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Los Angeles girl group Katseye wearing coordinated corsetry from Dolce and Gabbana.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Viral Friday singer Rebecca Black is taking her renaissance literally in a lace crinoline.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Ricky Martin is swashbuckling for peace in an open-fronted silk shirt paired with a goatee and jewellery.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Comedian Megan Stalter is unafraid of appearing Too Much in a pill box hat, corset, suspended skirt and bejewelled coffee cup.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Lenny Kravitz remembered his buttons but forgot his shirt when putting on his Saint Laurent suit.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

British singer-songwriter Yungblud also received the no-shirt memo.

Photograph: Leonardo Muñoz/AFP/Getty Images

Australian singer Kid Laroi wears a sharp white zuitsuit, while US country singer Bailey Zimmerman looks distinctly more Australian in a singlet, mullet and goatee.

Photograph: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV

Sabrina Carpenter wears old Hollywood camp well in red Valentino gown and lavender stole.

Photograph: Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV

No longer in full Galinda mode but still with a hint of pink, Ariana Grande wears a polka dot Fendi gown.

Photograph: Leonardo Muñoz/AFP/Getty Images

Paris Hilton is burning in a flame-decorated corset from The Blonds, while Nikki Hilton’s side-cutout lavender gown has a strong hint of Y2K.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

FKA twigs wears a burgundy shawl, with her braids styled to resemble a pair of headphones.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Singer and YouTube star Alex Warren gives the Hedi boy look a try in a black skinny suit and sneakers.

Photograph: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for MTV

Singer Gigi Perez wears a bolero and flares.

Photograph: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV

Messy singer Lola Young wears Chanel beads and prominent lip liner.

Photograph: Gilbert Flores/Billboard/Getty Images

American singer Sombr’s embroidered Valentino tuxedo is cheerier than his stage name implies.

Photograph: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Rapper GloRilla wears plaid on plaid with ruffled socks.

Photograph: Gilbert Flores/Billboard/Getty Images

South African singer Tyla wears a teeny Chanel minidress and outsized gold jewellery.

Photograph: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Ice Spice’s custom Fendi dress is 17th century up top and early aughts below.

Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters

Singer Ciara is looking razor sharp in an oversized red Schiaparelli coat.

Photograph: Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Chance the Rapper is ready for a multi-day hike in sneakers, a utility backpack and a sun smart cap.

Photograph: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of Tears advocated for trans rights, with trans dancers and drag queens holding signs that read “In trans we trust”, “Dolls, dolls, dolls”, and “If you hate, you’ll never get laid”, among others.

Photograph: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for MTV

Singer Tate McRae performs onstage.

Photograph: Andrew H Walker/Shutterstock

Lady Gaga accepts the artist of the year award.

Photograph: Andrew H Walker/Shutterstock

Mariah Carey performs a medley of her hits on stage. She won the Video Vanguard Award for her career – her first ever VMA win. “What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” she joked on stage, adding: “I’m kidding!”

Photograph: Andrew H Walker/Shutterstock

Sabrina Carpenter, who won best album for Short n’ Sweet.

Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Yungblud and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry perform a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July.

Photograph: Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty Images

Ariana Grande accepts the night’s biggest award, video of the year.

Photograph: Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty Images