BMI Songwriters Shine at 41st Annual VMAs

Posted in News on September 8, 2025

BMI was excited to see so many of our incredible affiliates take the stage at this past weekend’s 41st Annual Video Music Awards at New York’s UBS Arena. Lady Gaga swept several categories, including Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration for “Die with a Smile,” her duet with Bruno Mars*, Best Direction and Best Art Direction for “Abracadabra.” Sabrina Carpenter was also a multiple winner, taking the trophies for Best Pop Artist, Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Doechii won for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Choreography for “Anxiety.” Another notable accolade was the Rock The Bells Visionary Award, which was given to Busta Rhymes.

Beyond the awards, it was a tremendous night of music, featuring performances by Jelly Roll, Conan Gray, Bailey Zimmerman and Kid Laroi, Lola Young, Doja Cat, J Balvin, Lady Gaga, Busta Rhymes, Sabrina Carpenter, sombr and many others.

Below is the complete list of BMI’s winners. Congratulations to all!

Artist of the Year
Lady Gaga

Best Pop Artist
Sabrina Carpenter

Best Collaboration
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars* – “Die With a Smile”

Best Hip-Hop Video
Doechii – “Anxiety”

Best Alternative Video
sombr – “Back to Friends”

Best Latin Video
Shakira – “Soltera“

Best K-pPop
LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – “Born Again”

Best Album
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet

Best Direction
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”

Best Art Direction
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”

Best Cinematography
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”

Best Choreography
Doechii – “Anxiety”

Best Visual Effects
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”

Rock The Bells Visionary Award
Busta Rhymes

*Not affiliated with BMI

SOURCENews TAGS Busta Rhymes Sabrina Carpenter Doechii Doja Cat Lady Gaga LISA RAYE Shakira sombr