Since their inception in 1984, MTV’s Video Music Awards have become the site of countless iconic pop culture moments. Think Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U” performance with a live snake, Lady Gaga’s provocative rendition of “Paparazzi” and Beyonce’s pregnancy reveal during “Love on Top;” these are the moments that make up the fabric of iconic VMA history.
Nowadays, iconic VMA moments like these seem few and far between. It feels as though artists just aren’t willing to take risks to have iconic, show-stopping performances anymore, and the VMAs have lost their luster in many ways as a result. Nevertheless, glimmers of former VMA iconography still shone through in certain performances of last night’s VMAs. It’s these performances that were by far the most interesting, entertaining moments of the evening.
Tate McRae leaves it all on the stage
Tate McRae is known for being able to deliver the kind of performance that completely captivates audiences, and this year’s VMAs were no exception. Although she has performed at the award show before, this year marked her first set on the VMA’s main stage. Performing a medley of her two most popular songs, McRae captivated the audience with Medusa-reminiscent imagery before ending her set with a dance break in a pit of dark sand.
She kicked off with her song “Revolving Door,” which inspired a viral TikTok dance challenge earlier this year, stalking sultrily downstage before flawlessly hitting her signature backbend move. McRae then launched into a rendition of her hit “Sports Car,” delivering the kind of pristine choreography that she has become known for. Serving piercing an enigmatic state presence and a confident attitude while hitting all her marks, she completely owned the main stage during her performance slot.
Lady Gaga debuts “The Dead Dance”
Due to the constraints of her busy touring schedule, Lady Gaga’s performance was pre-recorded and aired later at the VMAs. Filmed on Sept. 6, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, it featured her song “Abracadabra” as well as the first televised performance of her new song, “The Dead Dance.” The performance was aired after Gaga had been awarded the Moon Man trophy for Artist of the Year earlier in the evening.
Gaga is notorious for making a splash at the VMAs. From her graphic, blood-soaked performance of “Paparazzi” in September 2009 to her 2010 meat dress, the award show has provided the stage for some of her most iconic moments. Declaring “the category is dance or die” in a giant red ball gown from atop a massive cage filled with dancers, Gaga kicked off this year’s VMAs performance with a sense of drama and charisma she is known for bringing to the show. Despite the performance being pre-recorded, her soaring vocals, striking visuals, bizarre choreography and impressive staging certainly brought the VMAs to life.
Doja Cat performs “Jealous Type” with a 1980s flair
Doja Cat opened the 2025 VMAs with a performance full of 1980s-inspired imagery and aesthetics. Her recent single “Jealous Type,” which has an 80s-inspired pop synth sound, made its performance debut on a colorful and eye-catching set atop a checkerboard stage.
The performance began with a solo from saxophonist Kenny G, punctuating its nostalgic vibe. Doja then launched into a delivery of her newest song, hitting seductive, Janet Jackson-inspired choreography in a retro outfit. When the song progressed into its rapping portion, her breath control was measured and steady, clarifying each word. Although the performance featured callbacks to 1980s nostalgia, it still felt like an embodiment of Doja’s personal flair and stage presence.
Sabrina Carpenter spotlights drag artistry
One of the absolute highlights of the night was hands-down Sabrina Carpenter’s performance of her new song “Tears,” the second single from her new album “Man’s Best Friend.” The performance began with Carpenter emerging onto a New York City street-inspired stage from a manhole marked with her name and ended with an energetic dance break in the rain.
Carpenter also paid direct homage to an iconic rain-soaked performance from Britney Spears’ Dream Within a Dream Tour by dancing in a downpour in a bra top similar to the one Spears wore on tour.
Carpenter’s set also took the opportunity to highlight LGBTQ+ and drag culture. Carpenter was accompanied by a posse of elaborately dressed transgender and drag performers, all holding signs with various empowering messages such as “Protect trans rights” and “love each other.” The obvious message of pride and individuality, combined with its striking visuals, flirty dance sequences and Carpenter’s star-powered stage presence, made for a performance that was not only well-executed but incredibly enjoyable to watch.
Overall, these were the performances that made the show watchable and enjoyable. Amidst other performances that felt like the perfect time for a snack breath or a good time to tune out, these four women gave performances that felt worthy of our attention.
