The Loop
Julianne Beffa
BACARDÍ Rum Brings the Party to the 2025 MTV VMAs in NYC
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
Moonwalk Mojitos, Star-Studded Fun, and Rising Music Stars….
Last night, UBS Arena in NYC transformed into the ultimate music playground for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, and BACARDÍ Rum was front and center, bringing the cocktails, the vibes, and a whole lot of fun. Returning as the official spirits sponsor, BACARDÍ kept the energy high with its signature Moonwalk Mojito, unforgettable celebrity moments, and a spotlight on the rising stars of the music scene.
The arena was bursting with A-listers like Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, LL Cool J, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and J Balvin. Fans and VIPs alike toasted the night away with the BACARDÍ Rum Moonwalk Mojito, the official VMA cocktail, as they danced, laughed, and celebrated everything that made 2025 a year to remember in music.
BACARDÍ Shines a Spotlight on Emerging Artists
BACARDÍ and MTV didn’t just celebrate the stars you already know and love, they put the spotlight on the stars you’re about to fall in love with. As the Official Spirits Partner, BACARDÍ sponsored the MTV Push Performance of the Year, highlighting the most exciting emerging artists of the moment. Fans were treated to a special MTV Live digital concert featuring Amaarae, Justine Skye, and Kyle Dion, giving a sneak peek of talent ready to take over the charts.
In a twist that kept everyone talking, BACARDÍ dedicated its ad time during the live broadcast to showcase these rising stars instead of running traditional commercials. It was a bold, music-first move that made the night feel fresh, fun, and totally unexpected.
Red Carpet Fun
The red carpet was buzzing with energy and style. Olandria and Nic, fresh off their Love Island reunion, made their VMA debut before heading straight to the BACARDÍ suite to sip Moonwalk Mojitos and watch the show in style. Celebrity influencer Carter Gregory returned for year two to chat with stars including J Balvin, Sexyy Red, Alix Earle, Tate McRae, Rebecca Black, sombr, Zara Larsson, Nic Vansteenberghe, and Justine Skye, who was featured in one of the BACARDÍ x MTV Live digital ads.
Iconic Performances and Memorable Moments
Of course, no VMA recap is complete without legendary performances. Mariah Carey, honored with the Video Vanguard Award, delivered a medley of hits that had the crowd on their feet- including the classic lyric from “It’s Like That” shouting out BACARDÍ: “I came to have a party, open off the BACARDÍ.” Talk about blending music history with cocktail culture!
Jamaican singer-songwriter Shenseea added a surprise twist when she gifted tickets to a group of lucky fans in the BACARDÍ fan pit, turning them into VIPs for the night. Moments like these are exactly why BACARDÍ isn’t just a drink, it’s part of the VMA experience.
Toasting to Music and Celebration
BACARDÍ made sure no moment went uncelebrated. From in-show toasts honoring the year’s artists to backstage cocktails with the hottest names in music, every sip and every cheer added to the night’s energy. This was a night where music, fun, and cocktails collided—and BACARDÍ was the life of the party.
Why BACARDÍ Continues to Own the Music Scene
With its combination of exclusive experiences, celebrity red carpet moments, and support for emerging artists, BACARDÍ proves year after year that it’s more than just a cocktail—it’s a music culture icon. By sponsoring the MTV Push Performance of the Year and showcasing up-and-coming talent through digital concerts, BACARDÍ connected fans to the next big things in music while keeping the party rolling.
The Night to Remember
Whether you came for Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Doja Cat, or to discover your new favorite artist via MTV Push, BACARDÍ Rum made sure every moment sparkled. From Moonwalk Mojitos to celebrity interviews, red carpet excitement, and unforgettable performances, the 2025 VMAs weren’t just an awards show—they were a full-on celebration of music, culture, and fun.
If last night was any indication, BACARDÍ isn’t just keeping up with the music scene—they’re leading the party, one cocktail, one artist, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
Read More
