When Ariana Grande arrived at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, the energy in the room shifted instantly. Styled by her longtime collaborator Law Roach, Grande stepped onto the pink carpet in a custom-made Fendi gown that perfectly balanced playfulness and elegance. With her signature high ponytail tied with a polka-dotted ribbon, the pop icon reminded fans why she remains one of music’s most reliable red-carpet showstoppers.
This year’s VMAs hold special weight for Grande. While she will soon pivot her focus to the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good film, which marks her most ambitious acting role to date, tonight was all about celebrating her music. Her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, has already cemented itself as a fan favorite, but it is her accompanying short film, Brighter Days Ahead, that has critics and audiences buzzing. The project has secured her seven nominations at the show—tying her with frequent collaborator The Weeknd and placing her among the night’s most celebrated artists.
A Vintage Fendi Moment
Grande’s opening look was a nod to 1980s glamour, designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the brand’s creative director. The white polka-dotted gown carried a whimsical vintage feel while Swarovski crystal jewelry added a modern sparkle. As always, her beauty look was polished and instantly recognizable: winged eyeliner, glossy lips, and her iconic ponytail updated with a playful twist.
But Grande didn’t stop at one head-turning look. Throughout the night she changed into three more ensembles, each capturing a different facet of her artistry. A shimmering black sequined mini-dress radiated old-Hollywood drama, while a monochrome butterfly-inspired gown showcased avant-garde fashion. Later, she slipped into a white tutu dress that fans quickly compared to Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic Sex and the City outfit—a wink to pop culture nostalgia that fit seamlessly with the evening’s vibe.
“Brighter Days Ahead”: A Story of Memory and Love
While Grande’s wardrobe wowed the audience, the centerpiece of her nominations is Brighter Days Ahead, the short film tied to Eternal Sunshine. Inspired in part by Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the project expands the world she created in her music video We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love).
Grande reprises the role of Peaches, a woman grappling with heartbreak and the haunting pull of past relationships. The story begins at Brighter Days Inc., a fictional clinic that allows clients to erase painful memories. From there, the narrative jumps forward 70 years as Peaches revisits four defining moments of her life—touching on themes of loss, healing, and the power of holding on to joy.
Directed by Christian Breslauer alongside Grande herself, the film blends surreal visuals with grounded emotional storytelling. The result is a piece that feels both deeply personal and cinematic, elevating her music into a narrative experience. Its nominations—ranging from Video of the Year to Best Pop—underscore the industry’s recognition of Grande’s creative leap.
A Night of Stiff Competition
Grande isn’t walking into the night unchallenged. Leading the nomination count are powerhouse performers Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rosé, each bringing their own major projects to the table. Yet Grande’s seven nods highlight her enduring relevance in a constantly evolving pop landscape.
Alongside her film and video nominations, she is also up for Best Pop Artist, an acknowledgment of her consistency as a hitmaker and performer. Fans and critics alike note that Eternal Sunshine marks a return to form for Grande—an album both intimate and experimental that reflects her growth as an artist.
Ariana’s VMAs Legacy
For Grande, the 2025 VMAs feel like both a celebration and a milestone. Over the years, she has gone from teen star to global icon, balancing blockbuster singles with high-profile acting roles. Her ability to pivot between music and film without losing artistic credibility is rare in today’s entertainment industry.
As Wicked: For Good prepares to dominate the box office later this year, Grande’s VMAs appearance reminds the world that her music remains her heartbeat. By marrying fashion, storytelling, and performance, she continues to push beyond the boundaries of what a pop star can be.
More Than Just a Red-Carpet Moment
Ariana Grande’s presence at the 2025 VMAs was about more than dazzling outfits or celebrity glitz. It was a reminder of her versatility and creative ambition. From polka-dotted gowns to short films about memory and love, Grande has shown that pop stars can do more than deliver radio hits—they can build artistic universes.
With seven nominations, a show-stopping Fendi moment, and a slate of projects that blur the lines between music and cinema, Grande’s VMAs night reinforces her place as one of the defining artists of her generation. Whether she leaves the stage with multiple trophies or not, her influence is undeniable—and fans are already eager to see where her next chapter leads.