Messy VMAs: Ariana Grande’s Shady Moments, Sabrina Carpenter’s Protest, Mariah Carey’s Awkward Performance

The MTV Video Music Awards have always carried a reputation for chaos. From Madonna’s infamous kisses to Kanye West’s interruptions, the VMAs thrive on unpredictability. The 2025 edition was no exception. What should have been a night celebrating artistry, music, and show-stopping performances turned into a whirlwind of awkward technical glitches, fiery political statements, and uncomfortable diva drama.

Three of the night’s biggest stories involved powerhouse names in pop: Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Mariah Carey. Each delivered moments that set social media ablaze, though not always for the reasons they hoped. What followed was a night that critics are calling messy, iconic, and unforgettable all at once.

Ariana Grande: A Mic Fail, Shady Jabs, and a Meme in the Making

Ariana Grande is no stranger to viral VMAs moments, but this year, the “Into You” singer found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. When she stepped up to accept the Video of the Year award for her hit “Brighter Days Ahead”, fans noticed a glaring technical blunder: the microphone had been set far too high for the 5’3” star.

What unfolded was unintentionally hilarious. Ariana, in her towering heels, had to balance on her tiptoes just to reach the mic, creating an instantly meme-able moment. Cameras captured her rolling her eyes before joking, “Guess I didn’t meet the height requirement tonight.”

The audience laughed, but the moment sparked criticism online. Viewers slammed the VMAs for their “unprofessional production,” while others praised Ariana for handling the situation with sass and grace. She turned the embarrassment into shade, thanking “therapists and gay people” during her speech—a line that fans are already quoting as classic Ariana.

But Grande didn’t stop there. Backstage, she allegedly threw subtle digs at the VMAs organizers, pointing out that “after all these years, they still don’t know how tall I am?” Whether playful or pointed, Ariana’s quip cemented the night as another entry in her long history of shady, yet iconic, moments.

Sabrina Carpenter: Pop Star Turns Protest Leader

If Ariana delivered humor, Sabrina Carpenter brought defiance. The 25-year-old singer has been steadily rising to superstardom, but at the VMAs she proved she was more than just another chart-topper.

Her performance of “Tears” from her album Man’s Best Friend started with a theatrical flourish: Sabrina emerging from a manhole cover as if rising from the underground. What followed transformed the stage into a protest zone.

Surrounded by drag queens and trans performers, Sabrina belted out her anthem while dancers held signs reading “Protect Trans Rights”, “In Trans We Trust”, and cheekier slogans like “If You Hate, You’ll Never Get Laid.” It wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement.

The reaction was immediate. Fans in the arena cheered, while social media erupted with both praise and backlash. Supporters hailed Sabrina for using her platform to speak up during a time of increasing hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community. Detractors, meanwhile, argued that the VMAs shouldn’t be politicized. But love her or hate her, Sabrina dominated headlines.

Later in the night, when she accepted the Album of the Year award for Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina delivered another viral moment. With a mix of humor and raw emotion, she joked, “Don’t worry, I have 29 other albums if this one doesn’t age well.” Then, in an unfiltered rant, she dropped an F-bomb, addressing critics who had dismissed her music as shallow. “Joy is rebellion. Being yourself is rebellion. So to everyone who told me I couldn’t—f** you, I did.”*

In that instant, Sabrina cemented herself not just as a performer, but as a cultural force unafraid to take risks.

Mariah Carey: From Vanguard Glory to Awkward Chaos

If Ariana made fans laugh and Sabrina made them cheer, Mariah Carey left them stunned. Honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, Mariah was expected to deliver a career-defining moment. On stage, she did just that—singing a medley of her classics in a shimmering gown that reminded everyone why she’s a legend.

But as the night wore on, things took a messier turn. At the official after-party, eyewitnesses described Mariah as “visibly inebriated.” Videos quickly surfaced online showing the diva slurring her words while singing “I Know What You Want” alongside Busta Rhymes. At one point, she reportedly asked staff for vodka mid-performance, sparking concern among fans.

The awkwardness didn’t stop there. Sources say Ariana herself had to help escort Mariah down the stairs after her acceptance speech, further fueling whispers that the star wasn’t entirely in control of the night.

For some, the scene was a sobering reminder that behind the glamour of award shows lies the reality of aging pop icons grappling with pressure and expectations. For others, it was simply another Mariah moment—chaotic, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Why This Year’s VMAs Felt Different

What makes the 2025 VMAs stand out isn’t just the individual moments of awkwardness or controversy, but how they collectively reflect the current state of pop culture.

• Ariana Grande’s mic fail symbolized how even the biggest stars can’t escape mishaps, yet her shady humor turned embarrassment into empowerment.

• Sabrina Carpenter’s protest highlighted how younger artists are reshaping pop stardom, making activism inseparable from artistry.

• Mariah Carey’s awkward after-party reminded viewers of the vulnerability behind celebrity, where legends remain human despite their mythic status.

Instead of polished perfection, the night was messy, unpredictable, and raw. And that’s precisely why people can’t stop talking about it.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember

The 2025 VMAs may not be remembered for flawless performances or smooth production, but for their chaos. Ariana Grande gave us memes and sass. Sabrina Carpenter gave us activism wrapped in glitter and defiance. Mariah Carey gave us a diva spectacle that veered from dazzling to uncomfortable.

In an era where award shows often struggle to stay relevant, the VMAs once again proved why they’re pop culture’s most unpredictable stage. Messy? Absolutely. But boring? Never.

The headlines say it all: “Grande Goes Shady, Carpenter Goes Political, Carey Goes Off-Script.” For better or worse, these moments will live in VMA history, ensuring that 2025 joins the ranks of the show’s most unforgettable years.