The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards weren’t just about big performances and star-studded appearances — they also became the perfect stage for Jesse Jo Stark to share a heartfelt declaration of love.
On the red carpet at New York’s UBS Arena, the 34-year-old singer and actress revealed her pick for PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive — none other than her longtime boyfriend, British rocker Yungblud. “He is the sexiest man alive, and he’s got the heart as well to match the outside,” Stark told PEOPLE on Sunday, Sept. 7. “Insides match the outside.”
A Power Couple Moment
Stark and Yungblud (born Dominic Harrison), 28, have been romantically linked since 2021, when they first went Instagram official. The two have since become one of the most intriguing couples in the rock and fashion worlds. Stark, whose parents founded the luxury brand Chrome Hearts, has built a reputation for her unique style and bold voice, while Yungblud has carved his place in modern rock with his high-energy performances and fearless self-expression.
When asked why their relationship works, Stark didn’t hesitate. “We’re really honest with each other,” she explained. “We always say love’s not dead, and I’m pretty intense, and he’s so open. We’re yin and yang. We have beautiful parents to look up to, and I believe in love. That’s it. We believe in love.”
A Tribute That Moved Millions
While Stark’s words captured attention on the red carpet, it was Yungblud’s performance later in the night that stole the show. Taking the stage with rock legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, alongside guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Yungblud delivered a fiery and emotional tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
Osbourne, who died at age 76 on July 22, left behind an unmatched legacy in rock. The tribute performance was particularly personal for Yungblud, who previously worked with the Black Sabbath frontman and his wife Sharon in his 2022 music video for The Funeral.
“He’s so rock and roll to me and true and honest and he has the heart, he has the brains, and he has the f—ing voice,” Stark said of her boyfriend’s tribute. “I don’t know who else would’ve done it. It’s beautiful, and I think Ozzy would’ve said the same thing.”
Love That Withstands the Spotlight
Earlier this year, Yungblud himself opened up about his relationship on the We Need to Talk podcast, calling Stark “probably the biggest love of my life.” He admitted that the couple had taken space apart but emphasized that their bond remained strong. “She’s probably the most incredible person I’ve ever met and she’s my best friend and I feel so lucky to be in her orbit,” he said. “Ultimately, I think in my life, all roads lead to her because I love her. I’ve never loved anything like I love her.”
The VMAs appearance seemed to show the couple firmly back in sync — with Stark glowing by his side on the carpet and cheering him on during his performance.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 MTV VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, featured unforgettable performances from Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray, Tate McRae, and more. Special honorees Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Busta Rhymes also delivered standout moments.
But for Stark and Yungblud, the night wasn’t just about music — it was about love, partnership, and honoring the legacy of rock icons. With her red-carpet confession and his show-stopping tribute, the couple left their mark on one of music’s biggest nights.
As Stark put it best: “He’s the sexiest man alive. And he’s got the heart.”
