Here’s Why Ariana Grande Skipped All the 2025 MTV VMAs After-Parties

THE RUNDOWN

• Ariana Grande wasn’t photographed at any MTV VMAs after-parties.
• The singer posted an Instagram Story featuring a photo of her at 5:26 A.M. that morning, revealing her actual plans.
• While Grande didn’t debut a fifth look, she wore four different dresses throughout the awards show.

Ariana Grande took home the biggest honor at the MTV VMAs—Video of the Year—but her night slowed down after the ceremony. The singer wasn’t photographed at any of the evening’s after-parties. In fact, Grande was up early the next morning. The star posted a since-deleted Instagram Story that said “off to work” with a 5:26 A.M. timestamp on September 8.

Grande has been working on Focker In-Law, which is currently in pre-production. She is also preparing to go on tour next year. The Eternal Sunshine Tour will run from June 6, 2026 to Aug. 23, 2026.

In her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, she reflected on her artistic journey, saying, “Art has been a safe space for me since I was a kid. I’m so grateful that I get to do this with my life and to have such fiercely loving and supportive fans. Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being navigating in real time which creative itch needs to be scratched, whether it’s acting, music, musical theater, or a little bit of tour.”

Back in July, Grande teased that she’d be getting back into music. “Very silly of you all to assume that just because I have my hands full with many things that I plan to abandon singing and music,” she wrote on Instagram. “It is and has always been my lifeline. There will need to be room made for all of it. 🧚🏼‍♂️ It may not look exactly like it did before, but I much prefer how it looks in my head. I am having fun. I feel grateful and excited and inspired. :) Finding a balance between many projects and endeavors I love and doing it my own way…so I’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year—even if it’s just for a little.I love you.”

While Grande skipped an after-party look, she still turned heads with four stunning outfits during the VMAs ceremony. She started off in a Fendi polka-dot peplum dress, then changed into a glittering sheer black Tamara Ralph gown. From there, she stunned in a Steve O Smith gown before wrapping the night in a sleek Givenchy by Sarah Burton minidress, capping off an incredible fashion run with her longtime stylist, Law Roach.

Ariana Grande in her first look by Fendi.

Ariana Grande in her second look by Tamara Ralph.

Ariana Grande in her third look by Steve O Smith.

Ariana Grande in her fourth look by Givenchy.