The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were a night of unforgettable performances and dazzling red-carpet moments, but the real magic happened when the cameras stopped rolling. At the star-studded afterparties in New York City, Cardi B stole the show, radiating joy and confidence in a jaw-dropping leopard print gown. The 32-year-old rapper, fresh off a court victory and buzzing with anticipation for her upcoming album, looked cute, happy, and utterly unstoppable as she lit up the Raising Cane’s afterparty. With her infectious energy, bold fashion, and a surprise performance of “Bodak Yellow,” Cardi proved once again why she’s a cultural force. Here’s the full scoop on her triumphant night, the fashion that turned heads, and what her vibrant appearance means for her next chapter.

A Night to Celebrate

The VMAs, held on September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, were a celebration of music’s biggest stars, with standout performances from Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae. While Cardi skipped the main event, she made a grand entrance at the afterparties, choosing Raising Cane’s bash as her stage to shine. Her decision to bypass the awards show didn’t dim her spotlight—in fact, it amplified it. Arriving amid a flurry of camera flashes, Cardi was all smiles, exuding a contagious happiness that set the tone for the night. Her appearance came on the heels of a legal win, having been cleared of an assault charge that she described as “annoying,” making her presence at the afterparty a victory lap of sorts.

Cardi’s choice to attend the afterparty rather than the main event was a power move, signaling that she’s in control of her narrative. The Raising Cane’s event, packed with A-listers like Jamie Foxx, Lenny Kravitz, and Lupita Nyong’o, was the perfect backdrop for her to reclaim the night. Her vibrant energy and playful interactions with fans and photographers made it clear: Cardi was there to celebrate life, music, and her unbreakable spirit. Social media lit up with fans gushing over her “cute and happy” vibe, with one X post calling her “the queen of owning every room she walks into.”

A Fashion Statement That Screamed Cardi

Cardi B’s afterparty look was nothing short of iconic. She strutted into the Raising Cane’s bash in a floor-length leopard print gown that hugged her curves and featured a daring thigh-high slit and a plunging neckline. The dress, paired with sheer black stockings, black stilettos, and silver chandelier earrings, was a masterclass in balancing bold and glamorous. Her classic Hollywood curls framed her face, adding a touch of Old Hollywood charm to the modern, risqué ensemble. The outfit wasn’t just fashion—it was a statement of confidence, a reminder that Cardi knows how to command attention without saying a word.

The leopard print gown sparked a wave of chatter online, with fans praising her ability to pull off such a daring look with ease. “Cardi in that leopard dress is giving LIFE,” one fan tweeted, while another called her “cute, fierce, and unstoppable.” The outfit’s dramatic slit and low-cut design had some speculating about a possible baby bump, reigniting pregnancy rumors that Cardi has repeatedly shut down. In August 2025, she fiercely denied such claims during a heated exchange with paparazzi, even throwing a marker at one who pressed her about it. At the afterparty, she leaned into the speculation with a playful pat on her midsection during her performance, letting her confidence speak louder than the rumors.

Cardi’s fashion choices have always been a reflection of her larger-than-life personality. From her 2023 VMAs gown made of hundreds of silver hair clips to her 2021 Met Gala looks, she’s never afraid to push boundaries. Her Raising Cane’s outfit was no exception, blending animal print swagger with high-glam sophistication. The look was a perfect fit for the afterparty’s vibe—less formal than the red carpet but just as show-stopping, allowing Cardi to let loose while still owning the spotlight.

Stealing the Show with “Bodak Yellow”

The highlight of the night came when Cardi took the stage for an impromptu performance of her 2017 anthem “Bodak Yellow.” The tightly packed venue, bathed in deep red lighting, erupted as she delivered the fiery track with the same raw energy that made it a cultural phenomenon. Nearly a decade after its release, “Bodak Yellow” remains a testament to Cardi’s staying power, having been the first solo female rap song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly 20 years. The diamond-certified track, which set multiple Guinness World Records, still feels as fresh and empowering as ever, and Cardi’s performance proved it.

Inches from the crowd, Cardi rapped with intensity, gesturing playfully and conducting the audience’s cheers like a maestro. Her ability to connect with fans—smiling, waving, and feeding off their energy—turned the club-like atmosphere into a full-blown celebration. Jamie Foxx and Lenny Kravitz were among the famous faces soaking up her performance, a testament to her magnetic presence. Social media clips of the moment went viral, with one fan account posting, “Cardi performing ‘Bodak Yellow’ at the VMAs afterparty is EVERYTHING 😍.” The performance wasn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it was a reminder of Cardi’s resilience and her ability to dominate any stage, from stadiums to intimate afterparties.

A Moment of Triumph Amid Challenges

Cardi’s joyful appearance at the afterparty was especially poignant given her recent challenges. Days before the VMAs, she was cleared of an assault charge stemming from an incident with a security guard, a legal battle that had been a source of frustration. Her victory in court was a weight lifted, and her beaming smile at the afterparty reflected a sense of freedom and relief. Additionally, Cardi is gearing up for the release of her long-awaited second album, Am I the Drama?, set to drop on September 19, 2025. The album, teased with her performance of “Up” at a recent US Open afterparty, has fans buzzing with anticipation.

The VMAs afterparty also came amid ongoing personal drama, including speculation about her relationship with Offset and persistent pregnancy rumors. Cardi’s ability to rise above the noise and shine at the Raising Cane’s event was a testament to her strength. She’s no stranger to turning personal moments into viral ones, and her afterparty performance was a masterclass in resilience. “Cardi’s out here living her best life, and I’m here for it,” one fan wrote on X, capturing the sentiment of many who see her as an unstoppable force.

The Afterparty Scene: A Star-Studded Affair

The 2025 VMAs afterparties were a who’s who of music and entertainment, with multiple events lighting up New York City. Sabrina Carpenter hosted a Studio 54-inspired bash at the Crane Club in Chelsea, dubbed “Sabrina54,” where stars like Tate McRae, FKA Twigs, and The Kid LAROI turned heads in bold outfits. Mariah Carey, fresh off her Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, hosted her own afterparty at The Twenty Two Hotel, stunning in a leather mini dress and sequined Louboutin boots. Cardi’s choice of the Raising Cane’s event, however, put her in the company of heavyweights like Jamie Foxx and Lupita Nyong’o, making it one of the night’s hottest tickets.

The afterparty circuit was a fashion parade, with celebrities swapping red-carpet gowns for party-ready looks. Tate McRae rocked a sheer black catsuit, while Rosé dazzled in a paper clip-fringe dress. Cardi’s leopard print gown stood out for its bold print and sultry design, perfectly capturing her “cute and happy” vibe. The energy at Raising Cane’s was electric, with Cardi’s performance and infectious smile stealing the show. “She looked like she was having the time of her life,” one attendee noted, a sentiment echoed across social media.

What’s Next for Cardi?

Cardi’s radiant appearance at the VMAs afterparty is a glimpse into her next chapter. With Am I the Drama? set to drop, fans are eager for new music that builds on the success of hits like “WAP” and “Up.” Her recent performances, from the US Open to the VMAs afterparty, show she’s in top form, ready to dominate the charts and the stage. There’s also buzz about her potential involvement in the 2026 world tour featuring Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent, especially given her past collaborations with 50 Cent and her ties to the hip-hop scene. A surprise appearance at the tour’s Los Angeles kickoff on April 12, 2026, could be a game-changer.

Beyond music, Cardi’s afterparty glow hints at a personal evolution. Her ability to navigate legal battles, public scrutiny, and motherhood while staying true to her Bronx roots is inspiring. Whether she’s shutting down rumors with a fierce clapback or lighting up a party with her signature charm, Cardi remains a cultural icon. Her “cute and happy” vibe at the VMAs afterparty wasn’t just a moment—it was a declaration that she’s here to stay, happier and stronger than ever.

A Night to Remember

Cardi B’s appearance at the 2025 VMAs afterparty was a masterclass in star power. From her stunning leopard print gown to her electrifying “Bodak Yellow” performance, she reminded the world why she’s one of hip-hop’s brightest stars. The Raising Cane’s bash was more than just a party—it was a celebration of Cardi’s resilience, talent, and unapologetic joy. As she gears up for her album release and possibly a role in the 2026 hip-hop tour, fans are buzzing with excitement. One thing’s for sure: Cardi B is living her best life, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.