Singer and actress Ariana Grande took home the top prize at the MTV VMAs on Sunday (September 5), claiming the video of the year award for her song "Brighter Days Ahead".

The "Wicked" star took the opportunity to encourage listeners of her music to keep persevering through their journeys with trauma and healing.

"If you're on that journey, please continue onward because I promise there are brighter days ahead", she told the audience.

Host LL Cool J kicked off the ceremony at the UBS Arena in New York with a promise of show-stopping performances from legends such as Ricky Martin and Mariah Carey and a tribute to the late British rocker Ozzy Osbourne.

Grande also bagged the award for best pop with the same song.

Pop singer Lady Gaga was named artist of the year, prevailing over heavyweights Taylor Swift and Beyonce at the fan-voted honours.

Gaga, currently on tour with her album "Mayhem," took the stage in a black ruffled dress with giant sleeves and purple accents. She thanked her fans as she held the VMAs Moon Person trophy.

Gaga's win prevented Beyonce or Swift from emerging as the most-honoured artist in VMA history. The pair remain tied at 30 VMAs each.

Other winners of the evening included Rose and Bruno Mars for their catchy pop hit "APT", and newcomers Katseye with their song "Touch".

Music legend Mariah Carey was honoured with the Vanguard Prize for her long-established role in the industry.