Our Favorite Inked Celebrities at the 2025 VMAs

The MTV VMAs aren’t just about the music. They’re also about unforgettable style, bold performances, and of course… the ink. This year’s show gave us plenty to talk about, with tattooed icons lighting up the stage and the red carpet alike. From fresh designs peeking out beneath couture to full-sleeve statements under the lights, these stars reminded us that tattoos, even for celebrities, are a permanent tribute and one of the most personal and powerful forms of self-expression. Check out the roundup below for our favorite inked celebrities at the 2025 VMAs.

@YUNGBLUD made a bold entrance on the red carpet at the 2025 VMAs, stripping off a custom coat to go shirtless in ultra-low leather pants (once worn by Iggy Pop) and sporting a cross given to him by Ozzy Osbourne, before delivering an honorary performance in tribute to his old friend and rock legend. Watch the performance at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOWKGQ5DS_z/?hl=en

@jellyroll615 dominated the stage with @postmalone, performing their high-energy, heartfelt single, “Losers”. Watch the magic unfold at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUrvt2AGNx/?hl=en

@arianagrande stood out with a total of four iconic looks throughout the night, all while winning major awards including Video of the Year and Best Pop for “Brighter Days Ahead.” Watch her Video of the Year acceptance speech here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOU3bj6gHPg/?hl=en. Check out the “Best Pop” speech at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOU0NW5gEZO/

@ladygaga made a melodramatic entrance at the VMAs in a Goth-inspired Marc Jacobs gown, winning Artist of the Year (among other honors) before rushing fashionably off to her Mayhem Ball concert. Check out a peek of her performance at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOWKVPSkWl0/, and see her acceptance speech at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUjpDAgP9l/!

@jbalvin debuted his newest single, “Zun Zun”, alongside Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, followed by a sizzling live debut of “Noventa” with DJ Snake. Check out their performance at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUyJoxgFDu/

@bustarhymes closed the night by accepting the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, capping it off with his greatest hits and a moving tribute to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis.
Watch the performance at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUoOzwAAp7/?hl=en, as well as his moving tribute at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOVBLvvjYLX/. 

@gunna stunned the red carpet with a sharp Valentino look, performing a fiery “halftime show” of his single, “Won’t Stop.” Check it out at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUrzi4AmQU/

@rickymartin made a fiery comeback to the VMAs after two decades, kicking off his return with a sizzling “Livin’ la Vida Loca” before accepting the inaugural Latin Icon Award in a heartfelt moment dedicated to his children. Check out his dazzling performance at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUlLP_APqC/, as well as his heartfelt speech at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUlWBggGRs/.

@dojacat kicked off her VMAs appearance with a dramatic stunt, “eating” red lipstick on the red carpet to unveil her newest role as MAC’s global ambassador, proceeding with an ’80s-inspired performance of “Jealous Type”.
Watch her stunning performance at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUiQxQAKeK/?hl=en, and check out her shocking stunt at https://www.instagram.com/p/DOUOKifkRWN/?hl=en!

@glorillapimp brought her boss-energy to the red carpet in a preppy plaid bustier dress with a matching jacket and hot-pink Versace bucket bag, perfectly blending fierce style with her signature edge.\

@lennykravitz arrived with a shirtless, unbuttoned Saint Laurent checked suit rockstar look, before sporting an all-black leather Chrome Hearts getup.

@sexyyred turned heads on the red carpet in a fiery all-red leather corset ensemble complete with a devil’s tail, red lace-up boots, and matching scarlet wig.