After a seven-year hiatus from attending the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Ariana Grande swept the stage, claiming multiple major accolades at this year’s glittering ceremony. The "Eternal Sunshine" songstress clinched the highly coveted Moon Person trophy for Video of the Year on Sunday, September 7, for her track "Brighter Days Ahead" from her latest album. Adorned in an ethereal, ballerina-inspired white gown crafted by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, the 32-year-old superstar was joined onstage by Christian Breslauer, the visionary director behind the video.
After playfully ribbing the towering height of the microphone, Grande’s voice brimmed with emotion as she addressed her legion of fans. "I want to start again with my fans. Thank you so, so much," she declared, igniting a thunderous roar from the crowd. "I love you with all my heart. I have since I was a teenager, since we first crossed paths, and I will for the rest of my life."
Grande triumphed over formidable contenders, including Rose and Bruno Mars ("APT"), Kendrick Lamar ("Not Like Us"), Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars ("Die with a Smile"), Sabrina Carpenter ("Manchild"), The Weeknd and Playboi Carti ("Timeless"), and Billie Eilish ("Birds of a Feather").
Expressing profound gratitude for her journey, Grande reflected on the themes of her seventh album, describing it as "a testament to the arduous work of healing various traumas, reconnecting with our younger selves, and forging safety within our own lives—a lifelong endeavor and a daily practice." She continued with a message of hope: "If you’re on that journey, please keep going, because I promise there are brighter days ahead."
The singer and actress also lauded Breslauer for his invaluable contributions, inviting him to share a few words. He hailed Grande as "a brilliant collaborator," adding, "Ari truly embodies what every director dreams of in an artist."
It was a night of resounding triumph for Grande, who had last graced the VMAs in person in 2018. Styled by the legendary Law Roach, she made a dazzling comeback on the red carpet in a custom Fendi black-and-white polka-dot ensemble, later transitioning through a series of stunning looks throughout the evening.
As she accepted the award for Best Pop Artist in her third outfit of the night, Grande’s nerves were palpable. "I have to start by thanking my fans—I’m going to cry," she said, momentarily pausing before exclaiming, "I think I broke this!" Though the flag atop her Moonman spun erratically, she quickly regained her composure. "I love you with every fiber of my being," she told her fans, before giving a heartfelt shoutout to her father, who "made his acting debut in this video. The best scene partner and dad in the world."
