In the glittering chaos of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 7 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, emerging alt-rock sensation Sombr (born Shane Michael Boose) etched his name into music history. At just 20 years old, the singer-songwriter walked away with his first-ever Moon Person trophy for Best Alternative Song with his breakout hit “Back to Friends.” The win marked a pivotal moment for Sombr, transforming him from TikTok darling to bona fide awards-show victor.
The announcement came early in the evening, just as Sombr graced the red carpet in a sleek Valentino ensemble. “Back to Friends,” the lead single from his debut album I Barely Know Her (released August 22, 2025, via Warner Records and his own SMB imprint), bested stiff competition in the category. The track, which Sombr wrote and produced entirely on his own, captured the raw melodrama of teenage love with its nostalgic Tumblr-grunge vibe, blending indie pop introspection with anthemic energy. Lyrically, it navigates the heartache of shifting from romance to friendship, a theme that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
back to friends
Listen to back to friends on Spotify. Song · sombr · 2025
Sombr’s victory speech was a heartfelt nod to his journey. “Back to Friends is something I wrote myself at a really low point,” he shared, his voice steady amid the applause. “I grew up watching the VMAs. This is insane. I have to thank the fans because you voted for this.” The song’s path to glory was anything but straightforward. Released on December 27, 2024, it languished initially before exploding in March 2025, thanks to viral TikTok clips that propelled it to the top of Spotify’s Global and US Daily Charts. By July, it had amassed over 36 million weekly streams, debuting at No. 140 on the Billboard Global 200 and peaking at No. 30 on the Hot 100—Sombr’s first entry there.
Critics hailed the track as a standout. Rolling Stone praised its ability to “channel the nostalgic 2014 Tumblr grunge aesthetic era,” calling it an “impassioned conversation that bleeds through the walls.” The song’s music video, directed by Gus Black and featuring model Charlotte D’Alessio, further amplified its appeal, earning additional acclaim. (Note: While some reports highlight the video’s win in a related category, the song itself clinched the core Best Alternative Song honor.)
The night wasn’t just about the win for Sombr. He delivered a electrifying debut performance, blending “Back to Friends” with his summer smash “12 to 12” in a medley that transported the audience from a intimate photo booth to a gritty New York rock club set. Introduced by Megan Statler, Sombr emerged crooning the opening lines before the stage erupted into a disco-infused frenzy, complete with dancers swarming him during the instrumental break. The set underscored his star power, with I Barely Know Her debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and “12 to 12” climbing to No. 60 on the Hot 100.
Fans erupted online, dubbing the moment Sombr’s “arrival.” One X (formerly Twitter) user posted: “Sombr taking best alternative at the VMAs with Back to Friends, underground no more, this is the arrival moment.” Nominated for three VMAs total—including Best New Artist (where he lost to Alex Warren) and Song of the Summer for “12 to 12” (edged out by Tate McRae)—Sombr’s night affirmed his rapid ascent. Earlier in September, as MTV’s Global Push Artist, he revealed the song’s origins in a “dark point” in his life, crediting classic rock influences from his father (think The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Radiohead) for shaping his sound.
Sombr’s story is one of serendipity and grit. Growing up with instruments always around, he penned his first song at age six with his sister. Now, with music as his lifeline—”That song saved me,” he told MTV—the young artist is proving that personal catharsis can fuel global hits. As he embarks on tour (tickets available via his official site), expect Sombr to keep pushing boundaries. The VMAs win is just the beginning for this fresh voice in alternative music.
For more on Sombr’s rise, check out his performance footage on MTV’s YouTube channel or stream I Barely Know Her on your favorite platform. The 2025 VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, proved once again why it’s the ultimate celebration of video and sound.
