MTV VMAs 2025: Why Lady Gaga Left After 15 Minutes

Lady Gaga caused some mayhem at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.

On September 7, at the UBS Arena in New York, the artist who’s famous for “Bloody Mary” got the crowd dancing on their feet as she graciously accepted the title of Artist of the Year, marking the first award of the night. (You can find a list of all the winners here.)

During her speech, Lady Gaga disclosed that she needed to depart from the VMAs only 15 minutes into the event’s start.

She expressed regret, saying, “I’d love to stick around for these fantastic shows, but I’m headed back to Madison Square Garden.

On the same day as the VMAs, Lady Gaga will be performing at her own Mayhem Ball concert, located approximately 18 miles away from the VMAs venue. Interestingly, both events are set to commence at 8 p.m. ET, so the 39-year-old artist had to promptly depart from the VMAs to change and prepare for her performance in Manhattan.

Still, she took time in her speech to share her love for fellow musicians in the room.

Artistry aims to bridge the emotional gaps worldwide by stirring people’s spirits. Artists work with dedication and skill to tap into emotions, planting seeds deep within, often reawakening dreams. According to Gaga, an artist’s role is to evoke laughter, tears, or feelings of liberation from their audience at every opportunity. This is a means of fostering empathy and honoring our shared humanity.

Gaga additionally acknowledged her fiancé, Michael Polansky, who worked together with her on numerous tracks from her “Mayhem” album, such as the song “Blade of Grass,” which details his proposal.

As your devoted companion, working alongside Michael this year has felt like a breathtakingly beautiful dream come true. I want to emphasize that you’ve been by my side throughout each and every step. In appreciation of our journey together, I humbly dedicate this creation to you – my love.

As the event approached, LL Cool J was set to host it. At this ceremony, Lady Gaga found herself among Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Rosé as the frontrunners with the highest number of nominations.

Bruno soared exceptionally following his collaboration with Gaga and Rosé on two of the year’s standout tracks, titled “Die With a Smile” and “APT”.

Indeed, I reveled in securing a spot among the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 in January, and I enthusiastically announced my intentions to get back into the studio to create even more chart-topping tracks.

He expressed his gratitude on Instagram, saying ‘Thanks everyone!’ He is now rushing off to the recording studio to work on a song that will be perfect for celebrating at a strip club this weekend. If anyone can help me reach Sexyy Red, please do!

Keep reading for more from the 2025 VMAs.