Trending 8th September 2025 by Jade Hayden

5 Things That Happened At The VMAs That Altered Our Brain Chemistry

There was a lot going on...

The VMAs were on last night – and lots of things happened.

The biggest night in music videos and everything in between occurred on Sunday night in the States, and naturally, there’s plenty to talk about.

From Sabrina’s political messaging, to Doja’s edible lipstick, to Taylor’s refusal to attend…

Here are five moments from the VMAs that changed our brain chemistry. Somewhat.

1. Sabrina protecting the dolls

 

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Sabrina Carpenter performed her new single, Tears, at the VMAs last night – and it wasn’t just singledom she was celebrating.

Right before her iconic dance break, in which it poured with rain and tears did indeed fall down her thighs, she had an important statement to make.

Her dancers, made up of drag queens, pulled out protest placards reading ‘Protect the Dolls’, ‘Dolls Dolls Dolls’ and other trans related slogans.

This support of the trans community is advocacy that can’t be ignored – especially when on a global stage like the VMAs.

Fair play, Sabrina!

2. Doja Cat eats her look

 

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Doja Cat is no stranger to a performance… and the VMAs red carpet was no exception.

While posing for photographers, the star reapplied her Lady Danger Mac lipstick – and ate it too.

Doja is one of Mac’s newest ambassadors, so the stunt makes sense. Even if it is being talked about more than her incredible performance of Jealous Type.

3. Gaga brings back the dead

It wouldn’t be a VMAs with an iconic performance from Lady Gaga, now would it?

The Disease star put on a serious show last night, as she performed her latest single, The Dead Dance, as well as Abracadabra… gothic horror inspo and all.

Gaga then went to win Artist of the Year – deserved.

4. An Ozzy Osbourne tribute

Ozzy Osbourne sadly passed away this year, but his legacy still lives on.

Before Ozzy was a reality star, he was the Prince of Darkness, and Yungblud did his bit in making sure nobody forgets that at last night’s event.

The rock artist paid tribute to Ozzy alongside Aerosmith and Extreme, performing a medley of Black Sabbath and Ozzy songs including Crazy Train and Changes.

Yungblud has long considered Ozzy a mentor, and was close with the musician before his passing.

5. Taylor’s snub

 

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In case you were wondering, Taylor Swift opted not to attend the VMAs last night, despite the announcement of her upcoming album.

Why? we hear you ask. Well, there’s every chance that Taylor didn’t go to the VMAs because she knew that she’d have to talk about her engagement all night.

Also last year, her every move and reaction was captured on camera and shared by millions across the globe, so maybe she simply wasn’t bothered?

Fair.