The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are set to take place tonight (September 7), at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. For the first time, the show will air on CBS alongside a live stream on Paramount+ Premium, with a simulcast on MTV. Rapper and actor LL Cool J will host the ceremony, while the pre-show—hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney—airs on MTV and select sister networks. This year’s ceremony will celebrate the best music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025, with fans playing a big role in deciding key winners.
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Nominees
The 2025 VMA nominations spotlight some of the year’s biggest stars and fan favorites. Leading the pack is Lady Gaga with 12 nods, reflecting the success of her chart-topping album Mayhem. She’s followed by Bruno Mars with 11, Kendrick Lamar with 10, Sabrina Carpenter with 9, ROSÉ with 8, and both Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with 7 each.
Two brand-new categories debut this year: Best Country and Best Pop Artist, both determined by fan voting. Voting opened on August 5 and closed on September 5, except for Best New Artist, which will remain open until the end of the live show.
Performers
The 2025 VMAs are bringing a star-studded lineup of performers across the pre-show, main stage, and Extended Play stage.
• Pre-show: Rising group Katseye will deliver performances of “Gabriela” and “Gnarly.”
• Main show highlights:
• Lady Gaga will present a pre-taped Madison Square Garden set featuring “Abracadabra” and “The Dead Dance.”
• Mariah Carey, recipient of this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, will perform a medley of her biggest hits.
• Busta Rhymes takes the stage with his Rock the Bells Visionary Medley.
• Ricky Martin will deliver a special Latin Icon Medley.
• Other major names include Doja Cat (“Jealous Type”), Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Justin Quiles, and Lenny Tavárez, plus Tate McRae, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray, and Sombr.
• Rock icons Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt will team up for a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
• Extended Play Stage: Bailey Zimmerman, The Kid Laroi, Lola Young (“Messy”), and Megan Moroney (“6 Months Later”).
Presenters
This year’s presenters bring together music legends, Hollywood stars, and digital icons. The lineup includes Ciara, Ice Spice, Rosé, Paris Hilton, Latto, Lenny Kravitz, Alix Earle, Brittany Snow, Drew Barrymore, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Jessica Simpson, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser, Livvy Dunne, Luke Grimes, Malin Akerman, and more. Rising acts like Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami will also present awards.
Special Awards
Three influential artists will receive honorary awards at the 2025 VMAs:
• Mariah Carey – Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
• Busta Rhymes – Rock the Bells Visionary Award
• Ricky Martin – Latin Icon Award
These honors recognize their lasting contributions to music, culture, and performance.
How to Watch
The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in on CBS, stream on Paramount+ Premium, or watch via simulcast on MTV. The pre-show airs earlier in the evening on MTV and affiliated networks.
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