Lady Gaga exited MTV Video Music Awards ceremony in 15 minutes, here’s why

Pop singer Lady Gaga had to leave the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony just 15 minutes after it began on September 7, 2025 (Sunday), at the UBS Arena in New York. She was named artist of the year at MTV's Video Music Awards, prevailing over Taylor Swift and Beyoncé at the fan-voted honours in New York.

Gaga went into the ceremony with the most nominations - 12 - for songs including "Die with a Smile," her duet with Bruno Mars. However, while delivering her speech, Gaga said that she had to leave the VMA ceremony just 15 minutes after the ceremony began. "I wish I could stay and watch all these amazing performances," she said, as quoted by entertainment news platform E! News. "I have to go back to Madison Square Garden," the pop singer added.

Gaga was set to top the bill in her own Mayhem Ball concert 18 miles away from the VMAs venue, E! News reported. Both events were scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET. Gaga shared on Instagram that she would be taking the stage at Madison Square Garden at 9:30 p.m. The pop singer is currently on tour with her album "Mayhem." She took the stage at MTV's Video Music Awards in a black ruffled dress with giant sleeves and purple accents, according to media reports. She expressed gratitude and thanked her fans as she held the VMAs Moon Person trophy.

The 39-year-old made a quick exit to leave the VMAs and changed before her show in Manhattan. Gaga's win prevented Beyonce or Swift from emerging as the most-honored artist in VMA history. The pair remain tied at 30 VMAs each. Host LL Cool J kicked off the ceremony at the UBS Arena in New York with a promise of show-stopping performances from legends such as Ricky Martin and Mariah Carey and a tribute to the late British rocker Ozzy Osbourne.

The VMAs began airing on MTV in 1984 and became known for memorable moments such as an onstage kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears and Gaga's appearance in a raw meat dress. CBS aired Sunday's ceremony live. New categories were added this year for best country video and best pop artist. The nominees for country video include "Think I'm in Love with You" by Chris Stapleton, "Liar" by Jelly Roll and Wallen's "Smile".