The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) delivered its usual mix of unforgettable moments, but perhaps one of the most genuinely surprising occurred on the red carpet itself. Singer Sombr, real name Shane Michael Boose, experienced a moment of pure, unadulterated bewilderment when he unexpectedly won his first VMA.

Unlike the carefully orchestrated narratives and practiced acceptance speeches we often see, Sombr's reaction was refreshingly authentic. It was clear he wasn't expecting the win, creating a uniquely awkward yet endearing situation.

The surprise unfolded during the pre-show festivities, hosted by Kevan Kenney. Sombr, seemingly unaware that awards were handed out before the main ceremony, was being interviewed about his nomination for Best Alternative track for his song, "Back to Friends." He was up against some stiff competition, including "Lonely Road" and "Back To Me" by The Marias.

Suddenly, the unexpected announcement came: Sombr's "Back to Friends" had won! As he made his way to the pre-show stage, a visible sense of confusion washed over him.

"Get on up here Sombr. That moonperson belongs to you,” Kenney announced, gesturing for the singer to approach. Sombr's bewildered expression didn't waver. The "moonperson," of course, is the iconic VMA trophy, a symbol recognized worldwide.

When handed the Moonman, his confusion was palpable. He seemed genuinely unsure of what was happening. The host, sensing his disorientation, clarified, "Yes, you get to keep that." Then, posing the question every winner faces, Kenney asked, "If you have anything to say to your fans who voted for you?"

Sombr, still grappling with the reality of the situation, responded with a sincere, "Did I win?" Kenney confirmed the victory, prompting Sombr to ask, "What did I win?" It was a moment of pure, unfiltered honesty rarely seen in the often-scripted world of award shows.

"Best alternative at the VMAs this year," Kenney clarified. It was at this point that the news seemed to finally register with Sombr. A wide smile spread across his face, accompanied by a relieved laugh.

"Thank you so much! I did not expect this. I thought this was a prank," he admitted, capturing the incredulity of someone experiencing an unexpected dream come true. His surprise underscores the unpredictable nature of the VMAs and the genuine shock winners can experience.

Sombr continued, sharing the personal significance of his winning song: "'Back to Friends' is something I wrote myself. And I made it at a really low point. So to win this is insane." This raw emotion resonated with many viewers, highlighting the power of music to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level.

"I grew up watching the VMAs," Sombr added, reflecting on the significance of the award. "And the person to thank would be the fans because you guys voted for this." Overcome with emotion, he expressed his gratitude to those who had supported his music.

The reactions to Sombr's win and his disoriented acceptance speech were mixed, as is typical with anything that plays out on a public stage. One fan tweeted: "Why was that so f**king cute? Like he was so humble he didn't even understand that award was HIS! Proud of you bb." This comment captured the sentiment of many who found his genuine surprise endearing.

However, not everyone was impressed. Another fan wrote: "Why tf did sombr win and he doesn't even know the award omg." This contrasting opinion reflects the subjective nature of art and the diverse perspectives within fandoms.

The VMAs are known for their iconic and often controversial moments. Think back to Madonna's groundbreaking "Like a Virgin" performance at the inaugural VMAs in 1984. This performance not only solidified her superstar status but also established the VMAs as a platform for pushing boundaries and creating cultural touchstones.

Then there was the infamous kiss between Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera in 2003. This provocative moment, part of a medley where Britney and Christina were dressed as brides, sent shockwaves through the media and remains a defining VMA moment.

And who can forget Kanye West's interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech in 2009? His declaration that Beyoncé deserved the award sparked a long-standing feud and became one of the most talked-about incidents in VMA history.

Lil Mama's impromptu stage appearance during Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' performance of "Empire State of Mind" in 2009 also stands out as an unforgettable moment of uninvited audacity. Despite attempts to restrain her, she joined the performance, solidifying her place in VMA lore.

Lady Gaga's meat dress in 2010 was another VMAs moment that sparked intense debate. The unconventional outfit, made entirely of raw flank steak, was a protest against the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, symbolizing the fight for rights and the consequences of inaction.

Beyoncé's pregnancy announcement at the 2011 VMAs was a heartwarming and unforgettable moment. After performing "Love on Top," she revealed her baby bump, sharing the joyous news with the world.

In 2015, Nicki Minaj famously called out host Miley Cyrus, asking, "Miley, what's good?" The exchange stemmed from comments Miley had made in an interview, highlighting the tensions and rivalries that can simmer beneath the surface of the awards show.

Reflecting on Sombr's unexpected win, another viewer humorously commented: "Sombr deada** had no idea what was going on winning that award I'm crying." The awkwardness of the situation became a source of amusement for many.

Another observer noted: "This is the most awkward awards show red carpet I've ever seen. Why does no one know what's going on." This comment speaks to the unpredictable nature of live events and the potential for unexpected moments to occur.

The 2025 VMAs, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, featured a star-studded lineup of performers and attendees, solidifying its status as a major event in the music industry. The night was filled with performances from legendary stars and exciting new artists.