Lady Gaga is in New York City tonight, performing her Mayhem Ball Tour show as the MTV VMAs take place just outside of Manhattan in Elmont, New York.

Still, Gaga managed to swing both events. She told fans on her Instagram Story that she would perform her Madison Square Garden concert at 9:30 P.M. and was filmed sitting next to Ariana Grande as the MTV VMAs began in Elmont, New York.

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Lady Gaga turned heads at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards when she made only a brief appearance on the red carpet and opted for a pre-recorded performance instead of taking the stage live. The pop icon, known for her theatrical showmanship and larger-than-life energy at award shows, surprised fans with her quick in-and-out presence at this year’s ceremony.

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According to insiders, Gaga’s decision wasn’t about shying away from the spotlight but rather about balancing her demanding schedule. With commitments tied to her upcoming world tour and ongoing work on a new film project, the star reportedly had limited time to dedicate to the VMAs. Pre-recording her performance allowed her to deliver a polished, cinematic showcase for fans without compromising her other obligations.

The performance itself was no less spectacular. Gaga delivered a visually stunning piece that blended high-fashion visuals with futuristic stage design, a hallmark of her artistry. By pre-recording, she had the creative freedom to build an immersive world that wouldn’t have been possible on the live VMAs stage. Fans praised the production online, noting that Gaga once again redefined what it means to perform at an award show.

Her brief appearance on the red carpet was still a moment to remember. Dressed in a bold Maison Margiela ensemble, Gaga made a statement before heading out, proving that even a short cameo can dominate headlines. Social media immediately lit up with photos and clips, cementing her as one of the night’s most talked-about stars despite her limited screen time.

Industry observers say the move reflects Gaga’s current career phase, where she balances her music superstardom with acting, fashion, and business ventures. By pre-recording, she demonstrated that she can still command the VMAs stage while prioritizing the projects that are shaping her future. It also shows how award shows are evolving, with more artists experimenting with how and when they participate, especially in an era where digital impact can matter more than physical presence.

For Gaga’s fans, her quick stop at the 2025 VMAs was another reminder of her ability to surprise, innovate, and stay in control of her narrative. Whether live or pre-recorded, her artistry remains front and center, and her decision only added to the intrigue surrounding what’s next in her ever-evolving career.

Gaga also pre-recorded a VMAs performance that will air tonight.

The star has the most nominations this evening, with Artist of the Year and Best Album (Mayhem) nods. Gaga and Bruno Mars’s “Die With a Smile” is also up for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Pop Song while her song “Abracadabra” is nominated for Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography, and Best Visual Effects.

She last attended the VMAs in 2020:

Kevin Winter/MTV VMAs 2020//Getty Images

Gaga spoke to ELLE earlier this year about making Mayhem. “I was actually pretty hard on myself about not walking into the studio with any preconceived ideas that I was going to strangle onto,” she began. “Mayhem is about following your own chaos into whatever cranny of your life that it takes you to. And in that way, it was about following the songs. Writing as many songs as I did for this album was a labor of total love. And then you just have to be very cutthroat by the end.”

She learned a lot about herself in the process as well: “The chaos I thought was long gone is fully intact and ready to greet me whenever I’d like. Part of the message of even the first song on the album is that your demons are with you in the beginning and they are with you in the end, and I don’t mean it in a bleak way. Maybe we can make friends sooner with this reality instead of running all the time.”