The 2025 VMAs gave us big performances, memorable wins, and plenty of moments worth cheering for. But this is live television, after all, so naturally there were also a few interactions that had viewers reaching for the imaginary fast-forward button. From uncomfortable exchanges to moments that just didn’t quite land, here are some of the most painfully awkward moments from the night.
1. The VMAs started streaming 20 minutes late because of a football game. Yikes!
Pop Base / Via x.com
2.
Sienna Spiro reversed the roles and photographed the photographers.
CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images
3.
Sombr stormed the blue carpet showing off his "SEX" belt!
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
4.
Snoop opened the VMAs with a "Knock-Knock" joke... The answer was "DEEZ NUTS!"
5.
Raye's gloves get stuck.
CBS / MTV / Paramount+, CBS / MTV / Paramount+ / Via CB
6. Madonna revealed that she had to personally DM Sabrina Carpenter...
Pop Base / MTV / CBS / Via x.com
7.
Nirvana's Pat Smear lit a cigarette on stage while accepting an award!
Rich Polk / Billboard via Getty Images
8. Rachel Dratch played an imaginary 6th member of the Spice Girls in several Dunkin' Donuts ads. The accent was interesting...
okay, i love rachel dratch but whoever decided to make dunkin' ads a part of the actual broadcast should be fired
— Annamarie ❤️🔥 #1 speak now stan (@annamar13nicole) September 28, 2026
Annamarie ❤️🔥 #1 speak now stan / Via x.com
9.
Madonna forgets which award she has just won...
10. Yung Lean's performance was mostly him licking ice cream...
Never heard of Yung Lean but that was a dope performance...minus the ice cream spit lol #vmas
— ᥫ᭡ҡεɳყα ɱσσ૨ε ƒαɳᥫ᭡ (@GossipInformer) September 28, 2026
ᥫ᭡ҡεɳყα ɱσσ૨ε ƒαɳᥫ᭡ / Via x.com
Let us know what your favorite VMAs moment was in the comments!