Mtv Vmas 2025: Millennial Nostalgia Takes Over The Big Apple With A Socal Vibe!

MTV VMAs 2025: A Blast from the SoCal Past in NYC

Yo, West Coast fam, the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 just dropped a nostalgia bomb that could rival a Santa Monica sunset! Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, this year’s show was all about that early 2000s energy - think flip phones, frosted tips, and dial-up internet dreams. It was like stepping into a time machine straight outta a Venice Beach boardwalk memory.

From the get-go, the lineup screamed ‘millennium core’ with stars who owned the Y2K era. We’re talking Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and more, bringing that Hollywood red carpet swagger to the East Coast. Whether it was planned or just a happy accident, this VMA night had every millennial in the crowd - and watching from their LA lofts - feeling all the feels.

Why the 2025 VMAs Felt Like a 2000s Mixtape

Let’s break it down, SoCal style. The night kicked off with Busta Rhymes snagging the first-ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, rocking a red tracksuit that screamed early 2000s street cred. He even brought Glorilla on stage for a medley that had everyone hyped - it was like a block party on Crenshaw.

Then, after two whole decades, Mariah Carey rolled back onto the VMA stage to claim her Video Vanguard Award with a medley that was pure magic. From ‘Sugar Sweet’ to ‘We Belong Together,’ she had us reminiscing about high school dances and late-night drives down the PCH (that’s Pacific Coast Highway for the out-of-towners). And don’t even get us started on Ricky Martin - his ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ performance, plus a medley of hits, earned him the first-ever Latin Icon Award, handed over by none other than Jessica Simpson.

Rounding out the millennial royalty were Ashlee Simpson, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Brittany Snow, Taylor Momsen, and even Jersey Shore’s own Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino and Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi. Even the younger stars got in on the action - Doja Cat channeled Janet Jackson with a killer opening, while Tate McRae brought Britney Spears energy in a barely-there outfit. Social media’s already buzzing with fans calling this show straight-up ‘millennial-coded’ - and we’re here for it.

Millennial Icons Stealing the Show

It wasn’t just the performances that had us hooked. Seeing all these 2000s legends together felt like flipping through an old MySpace page - pure nostalgia gold. Every moment was a reminder of why these stars still got that star power, even in today’s TikTok era.

“Man, seeing Mariah and Ricky back on that stage felt like 2005 all over again - straight up took me back to my teenage years in the Valley!” - a fan gushed on X after the show.

It’s clear the VMAs knew how to tap into that sweet spot for anyone who grew up with MTV on repeat. This wasn’t just a show; it was a full-on time capsule with a Hollywood Hills view.

Who Took Home the Moon Person in 2025?

Now, let’s talk wins, because the 2025 VMAs didn’t skimp on the hardware. Lady Gaga led the pack with 12 nominations, snagging four awards including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars for ‘Die With a Smile.’ She also nabbed Best Direction and Best Art Direction for ‘Abracadabra’ - talk about a queen still ruling the game.

Ariana Grande owned the night too, taking home Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Longform Video for ‘Brighter Days Ahead.’ Other big winners included Rosé and Bruno Mars with Song of the Year for ‘APT,’ Tate McRae’s ‘Just Keep Watching’ as Song of the Summer, Alex Warren as Best New Artist, and Sabrina Carpenter as Best Pop Artist. It was a mix of fresh faces and familiar names, blending today’s hits with that undeniable 2000s influence.

While the music scene keeps evolving with new talent dropping bangers left and right, the 2025 VMAs proved that the icons of the early 2000s still got that magic. They’ve shaped the industry in ways that still resonate, and this night captured the heart of MTV’s golden era. Stick with us for more celeb scoops and entertainment tea, straight from the streets of LA to your screen!