MTV Video Music Awards Ratings Jump 42% With CBS Broadcast Debut

The MTV Video Music Awards drew 5.5 million viewers Sunday, marking a 42 percent audience increase after moving to CBS for the first time. The telecast reached its largest audience in six years, according to Nielsen data including out-of-home viewing. CBS also aired the show on MTV and Paramount+ streaming. Last year's VMAs averaged 4.09 million viewers across MTV and 11 other Paramount cable networks. CBS reaches approximately 125 million U.S. homes compared to MTV's roughly half that number. The awards show became CBS's most-watched entertainment special since February's Grammy Awards. LL Cool J hosted the ceremony, where Lady Gaga claimed artist of the year plus three additional honors. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each earned three awards, with Grande's "Brighter Days Ahead" winning video of the year and Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet" taking album of the year. (Story URL)