The VMAs: A New Generation
By Yashika Gupta, Staff Writer
photo by Armando Tinoco
The VMAs were on September 7, yet those performances have been running around my head like an itch I can’t scratch. With Ariana Grande’s iconic acceptance speech to all the throwbacks, the 2025 Video Music Awards were an event no one missed. However, with new artists on the rise, is there a potential clash of generational talent on the stage?
Bringing a sense of legacy and nostalgia, the most notable artists present were Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and LL Cool J. Having artists like them gather in one room to share the history of talented music allowed all to reminisce. There was also a tribute to the older generation; YUNGBLUD, Steven Tyler, Joe Berry, and Nuno Bettencourt came together to perform the best hits of Ozzy Osbourne, bringing rock to the pop stage while remembering the former heavy metal artist.
The awards weren’t just about paying homage, but to honor the work of our iconic stars. Some walked away with multiple awards, like Lady Gaga, who won Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Art Direction, and Best Direction. Performing her hit song, Abracadabra / Dead Dance, she captivated the audience with her unique stage presence and extravagant outfits.
Mariah Carey was also present, winning her first MTV award for the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her impact on pop culture. She performed her biggest hits, evoking a sense of nostalgia among fans. Although the newer generation may not have been familiar with her earlier songs, she left the crowd screaming, proving that she didn’t need to prove her career.
However, with social media on the rise, artists are empowered more than ever before to share their voice. One such artist among them is Sombr, an alternative/indie pop artist who first gained fame on social media and amassed a massive following with his song Back to Friends, which earned him the award for Best Alternative. Other artists that are popular with newer generations are Gigi Perez, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Lola Young, and Ella Langley.
One such artist, Alex Warren, won the award for Best New Artist for his song Ordinary which gained widespread attention online due to his compelling voice. Of course, we can’t forget KATSEYE, one of the newest and most iconic girl groups to emerge recently. With their award of Push Performance of the Year and Best Group, they’ve successfully captured the hearts of music fans, going as far as to collaborate with companies to spread their influence further. These newer artists represent how music culture is slowly evolving, due to changes in music taste and shorter attention spans.
While older stars rely on fleeting memories and nostalgic eras, newer artists rely on various, ever-changing music categories to captivate the audience, turning the music stage into a mushy pot of sentimental and feel-good vibes. One specializes in giving spectacular, thought-out performances, and the other specializes in marketing and spreading their voices and creative ideas through social media; however, both are necessary to complete the music stage and bring it together. The VMAs are more than just collecting awards to display on a shelf; they represent how music can bring people of all ages and interests together. So no matter if you’re tuning in to admire the beautiful outfits or cheer on your favorite artist, you have to admit that the VMAs are perfect for bringing fans of different generations together.