The 2025 MTV VMAs will bring performances from Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Doja Cat, and more, with Mariah Carey receiving the Video Vanguard Award and LL Cool J hosting live from New York.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are set for Sunday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasting live from New York’s UBS Arena. With high-profile performances, major awards, and unforgettable moments expected, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows in recent memory. Fans can watch live on CBS and MTV, with streaming available on Paramount+.
LL Cool J will take the reins as host, marking his first time emceeing the VMAs solo after previously co-hosting in 2022. The rapper and actor described his role as giving audiences “a night off from all the madness in the world” to celebrate the power of music.
At the heart of the evening will be Lady Gaga, who leads the pack with 12 nominations. She’s up for major categories including Artist of the Year and Best Album for Mayhem, along with multiple nods for her visually striking video “Abracadabra.” Gaga is also set to deliver her first VMA performance in five years. Close behind in nominations is Kendrick Lamar with 10, followed by ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter with eight each. Ariana Grande and The Weeknd scored seven nods apiece, while Billie Eilish picked up six and Charli xcx earned five.
Adding even more excitement, the show will feature first-time nominees such as Alex Warren, Gigi Perez, Damiano David, Lola Young, sombr, The Marías, JENNIE, Jimin, and JISOO. This year also introduces two new categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist.
The stage will be packed with talent. Performances include Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray, Tate McRae, Ricky Martin, Sombr, Alex Warren, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Busta Rhymes, and more. Rising stars Bailey Zimmerman with The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney will showcase their music on the VMAs Extended Play Stage, while KATSEYE will perform during the preshow.
Honors will also take center stage. Mariah Carey will receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award and perform a medley of her greatest hits. Busta Rhymes will be honored with the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin will be celebrated with the Latin Icon Award.
A star-studded lineup of presenters will hand out the coveted Moonperson trophies. Presenters include Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson, Ciara, Ice Spice, Latto, Paris Hilton, Nikki Glaser, Brittany Snow, Malin Akerman, Drew Barrymore, Meg Stalter, Livvy Dunne, Alix Earle, Lenny Kravitz, Luke Grimes, ROSÉ, and the cast of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.
With powerhouse performances, groundbreaking nominees, and iconic honorees, the 2025 MTV VMAs promise a night that celebrates every corner of the music industry while delivering plenty of surprises along the way.
