1985 MTV Video Music Awards Winners: A Comprehensive Look At The Iconic Event

Aurelio

07 Apr, 2025

Hey there music fans! Let’s take a trip back to 1985, where MTV was king, and the Video Music Awards (VMAs) were the ultimate celebration of music videos. If you're into music history or just curious about how this iconic event unfolded, you're in the right place. The 1985 VMAs were a game-changer, and we're about to dive deep into everything that made it unforgettable.

This article will give you the full scoop on the winners, the performances, and the cultural impact of the 1985 MTV VMAs. Whether you’re a fan of music legends like Madonna, Prince, or Duran Duran, or you're just curious about how music awards were back in the day, this is your ultimate guide.

So, buckle up, grab your favorite cassette tape, and let’s revisit the 1985 MTV VMAs. It's gonna be a wild ride filled with iconic moments, legendary performances, and the biggest winners of the night. Let's get started!

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Event Overview: What Made the 1985 VMAs Special
The Main Winners: Who Stole the Show?
Madonna: The Queen of the 1985 VMAs
Iconic Performances: The Best of the Night
Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Trivia
Impact on Pop Culture: How the 1985 VMAs Changed Music
Awards Categories: A Breakdown of the Nominees
Long-Term Effects: Legacy of the 1985 VMAs
Modern Comparisons: How Do Today's VMAs Compare?
Conclusion: Why the 1985 VMAs Matter Today

Event Overview: What Made the 1985 VMAs Special

Alright, let's start with the basics. The 1985 MTV Video Music Awards were held on September 14, 1985, and they were absolutely massive. This wasn't just any awards show; it was a celebration of music videos, which were becoming a huge part of pop culture. MTV was still relatively new, but it had already changed the way people consumed music, and the VMAs were the perfect platform to showcase that.

The event took place at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, a venue that screams "iconic" in its own right. The host that year was none other than the legendary Dan Aykroyd, who brought his signature charm and humor to the stage. The 1985 VMAs were different from today's shows because they focused heavily on the visual aspect of music, celebrating artists who could create stunning visuals to accompany their songs.

Why the 1985 VMAs Were Groundbreaking

It was one of the first times music videos were celebrated on such a grand scale.
The event introduced the world to some of the biggest names in music at the time.
It set the tone for future VMAs, establishing the show as a cultural phenomenon.

The Main Winners: Who Stole the Show?

Now, let's talk about the winners. The 1985 VMAs were packed with talent, and the awards were handed out to some of the biggest names in music. One name that keeps coming up is Madonna. Yeah, you guessed it—Madonna was a huge winner that night. She took home the coveted Video of the Year award for "Like a Virgin," which was a massive hit at the time.

But it wasn't just Madonna who shone. Other winners included:

Prince for "When Doves Cry" in the Best Male Video category.
Duran Duran for "The Reflex" in the Best Group Video category.
David Bowie for "Let's Dance" in the Best Art Direction category.

Each of these artists brought something unique to the table, and their wins were well-deserved. The 1985 VMAs were all about recognizing the creativity and innovation in music videos, and these artists certainly delivered.

Madonna: The Queen of the 1985 VMAs

Madonna was undeniably the star of the 1985 VMAs. Her performance and her wins made her a household name. Let’s take a closer look at the woman behind the music.

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Biography

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan. She started her career in the music industry in the early 1980s and quickly rose to fame with her unique style and powerful voice. By 1985, she was already a global sensation.

Born	August 16, 1958
Place of Birth	Bay City, Michigan
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Breakthrough Year	1983
Notable Awards	Video of the Year at the 1985 VMAs

Madonna's impact on the 1985 VMAs cannot be overstated. Her performance of "Like a Virgin" was iconic, and her style—complete with a wedding dress—became a cultural touchstone.

Iconic Performances: The Best of the Night

Let’s talk about the performances. The 1985 VMAs were filled with unforgettable moments, and some of the performances are still talked about today. Here are a few highlights:

Madonna's "Like a Virgin": This performance is legendary, and it set the tone for her career. Her wedding dress and confident demeanor made her a star.
Prince's "When Doves Cry": Prince brought his signature flair to the stage, delivering a performance that was both powerful and emotional.
Duran Duran's "The Reflex": The band's energetic performance of "The Reflex" was a highlight of the night, showcasing their unique style and sound.

Each of these performances was a testament to the artists' talent and creativity, and they helped make the 1985 VMAs a night to remember.

Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Trivia

There’s always more to the story, and the 1985 VMAs were no exception. Here are some fun facts and trivia about the event:

Madonna's wedding dress was custom-made for the performance and became a fashion icon.
Prince refused to attend the awards ceremony, but he still won Best Male Video.
The 1985 VMAs were one of the first awards shows to be broadcast live, giving fans a front-row seat to the action.

These behind-the-scenes tidbits add another layer to the already fascinating story of the 1985 VMAs.

Impact on Pop Culture: How the 1985 VMAs Changed Music

The 1985 VMAs had a lasting impact on pop culture. They cemented the importance of music videos in the music industry and set the stage for future awards shows. Artists began to see the value in creating visually stunning videos to accompany their music, and MTV became a household name.

The event also helped launch the careers of several artists, including Madonna, who went on to become one of the biggest names in music. The 1985 VMAs were a turning point in the music industry, and their influence can still be felt today.

Awards Categories: A Breakdown of the Nominees

Let’s take a closer look at the awards categories and the nominees. The 1985 VMAs featured a wide range of categories, each recognizing different aspects of music video production. Here are a few of the main categories:

Video of the Year: Madonna ("Like a Virgin"), Peter Gabriel ("Sledgehammer"), Duran Duran ("The Reflex").
Best Male Video: Prince ("When Doves Cry"), Bruce Springsteen ("Dancing in the Dark"), David Bowie ("Let's Dance").
Best Group Video: Duran Duran ("The Reflex"), The Eurythmics ("Would I Lie to You?"), Tears for Fears ("Shout").

Each category was fiercely competitive, and the winners were chosen based on their creativity, innovation, and impact on the music industry.

Long-Term Effects: Legacy of the 1985 VMAs

The legacy of the 1985 VMAs is still felt today. They set the standard for future awards shows and helped establish MTV as a major player in the music industry. The event also highlighted the importance of music videos, which became a crucial part of an artist's success.

Artists who won at the 1985 VMAs went on to have long and successful careers, proving that the awards were a good indicator of future success. The 1985 VMAs were more than just an awards show; they were a cultural moment that changed the music industry forever.

Modern Comparisons: How Do Today's VMAs Compare?

Comparing the 1985 VMAs to today's awards shows is interesting. While the format has changed, the core idea remains the same: celebrating the best in music videos. Today's VMAs feature more categories, more elaborate performances, and a global audience, but the spirit of the 1985 VMAs lives on.

Modern VMAs continue to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in music videos, and they remain one of the most anticipated events in the music industry. The 1985 VMAs laid the groundwork for everything we see today, and their influence can still be seen in the way music videos are produced and celebrated.

Conclusion: Why the 1985 VMAs Matter Today

So, there you have it—the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards in all their glory. This iconic event was more than just an awards show; it was a cultural phenomenon that changed the music industry forever. From Madonna's unforgettable performance to Prince's groundbreaking win, the 1985 VMAs were filled with moments that will be remembered for years to come.

As we look back on this event, it's clear that the 1985 VMAs set the standard for future awards shows and helped establish MTV as a major player in the music industry. Their legacy lives on today, and their impact on pop culture cannot be overstated.

If you enjoyed this article, leave a comment below and let us know what you thought. And if you're interested in learning more about music history, check out our other articles. Until next time, keep rocking!