🎤 Lady Gaga Stuns the World by Leaving the 2025 VMAs Just 15 Minutes After Winning Artist of the Year—Was It a Bold Statement or a Sign of Trouble Behind the Scenes? Fans Are Left Reeling as Speculation Runs Wild!

Lady Gaga accepted the award for Artist of the Year at the 2025 MTV VMAs in New York on Sept. 7—and then shared why she had to leave the UBS Arena immediately.

Watch: MTV VMAs 2025: Why Lady Gaga Left After 15 Minutes

Lady Gaga caused some mayhem at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.

The “Bloody Mary” singer had the crowd on their feet at the UBS Arena in New York Sept. 7 when she accepted the first award of the night for Artist of the Year. (See all the winners here.)

However, while delivering her speech, Gaga revealed she had to leave the VMAs just 15 minutes after the ceremony began.

“I wish I could stay and watch all these amazing performances,” she said, “but I have to go back to Madison Square Garden.”

Indeed, Gaga is headlining her own Mayhem Ball concert 18 miles away from the VMAs venue. Both events were scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET, though Gaga shared on Instagram that she’d be taking the stage at Madison Square Garden at 9:30 p.m.

So, the 39-year-old had to make a quick exit to leave the VMAs and change before her show in Manhattan.

Still, she took time in her speech to share her love for fellow musicians in the room.

“Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world. Being an artist is a discipline, a craft meant for reaching into someone’s heart, where it grows its roots, and reminding them to dream,” Gaga shared. “Being an artist is a responsibility to make the audience smile, dance, cry, release at any turn. It is a method of building understanding and celebrating community.”

Gaga also honored fiancé Michael Polansky, who collaborated with her on many of her Mayhem tracks, including the song “Blade of Grass” about his proposal.

“To my partner in all things Michael, creating this year with you was a beautiful, beautiful dream, and you have been my partner every step of the way,” she added, “I dedicate this to you, to my love.”

Kevin Kane/Getty Images

Heading into the ceremony—hosted by LL Cool J—Gaga joined Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar and Rosé as front-runners who scored the most nominations.

Bruno was especially flying high after collaborating with both Gaga and Rosé on two of the top songs of the year: “Die With a Smile” and APT.”

In fact, he celebrated both landing in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 in January by sharing that he was getting back out there to make more hits.

“THANK YOU ALL!” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “I’m headed to the studio right now to make a strip club anthem so I can celebrate and properly act up this weekend. Someone please help me get in touch with Sexyy Red!!”