4 Totally Nostalgic Moments From MTV VMAs 2025: ‘What In The Sam Hill Were You Waiting For?’
Get a glimpse into the 2025 MTV VMA’s—from Mariah Carey’s medley to the Ozzy Osbourne tribute
Ever since 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been responsible for producing some of the entertainment industry’s most iconic moments—from Britney Spears’ performance with a live snake to Kanye West’s infamous interruption of Taylor Swift—and the show hasn’t slowed down yet.
At the 2025 VMAs, which took place last night on September 7, performers and attendees were transported back in time, with nostalgic performances and red carpet reunions. Take a look at the best bits and pieces from the show and behind-the-scenes.
Jessica Simpson returns to VMAs after 19 years
Earlier this year, Jessica Simpson made a long-overdue return to music, releasing her first project in nearly 15 years. Nashville Canyon was released in two parts—the first in March and the second in early September—and in celebration, she returned to the stage as well.
At last night’s MTV VMAs, Simpson made her first appearance at the show since 2006. She showed up on the red carpet in a sheer black gown, covered in cutouts. She paired the dress with black heels and a few statement jewelry pieces.
Simpson’s look last night was similar to her last one in 2006, when she wore a black mini dress, which she also wore with statement jewelry and black heels. However, at the time, her hair was platinum blonde and cut into a short bob. The singer and entrepreneur showed up last night with her sister, Ashlee Simpson Ross, who hadn’t attended the show in 17 years.
An Ozzy Osbourne tribute from Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Yungblud
Just a few months after the passing of the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” was honored at the VMAs by a few other iconic musicians: Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were joined by Yungblud and Nuno Bettencourt on stage, where they sang a medley of Osbourne’s greatest hits.
Tyler shared that his friendship with Osbourne was “like a brotherhood,” the two having bonded over their struggles with addiction. As for Yungblud, Osbourne had become something of a mentor to the musician, with their relationship beginning just a few years ago when Osbourne appeared in Yungblud’s music video for “The Funeral.”
Mariah Carey performs a mix of chart-topping hits
Considering Mariah Carey has been a beloved singer since the 1990s, it came as a major surprise that she only won her first VMA this year! Carey was awarded the MTV Video Vanguard Award last night, one that was a long time coming.
“Thank you so much to MTV for giving me the Vanguard Award. I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight,” Carey said. “I just have one question: What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for? I’m kidding. I love you.”
Following her acceptance, Carey performed several fan-favorite smash songs, both nostalgic and more recent ones, from “Obsessed” and “Heartbreaker” to “Sugar Sweet.” The singer also snagged an award for Best R&B for her song “Type Dangerous.”
Busta Rhymes wins first VMA
Rapper Busta Rhymes made history with his inaugural win of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award win. While he’s been in the music industry for more than three decades, this was the first time Busta Rhymes scored his own VMA.
He joked about his first win taking so long in his acceptance speech, saying, “I know I usually do these long speeches. I’m not gonna do one today,” he said. “But next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these. They’re gonna let me talk as long as I want.”
Busta Rhymes also performed a sampling of his greatest hits, from “Gimme Some More” to “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”
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