The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are finally here, taking place this Sunday, September 7, at New York’s UBS Arena. Hosted by LL Cool J, the ceremony promises a star-studded lineup of performers including Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Tate McRae, Post Malone, Conan Gray, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren, J Balvin, DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, and Sombr.
This year’s nominations are led by Lady Gaga with 12 nods, followed closely by Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10. While the full list of categories spans everything from Video of the Year to Best Collaboration, two of the most anticipated races are Artist of the Year and Best New Artist—both of which reflect not only the biggest names of the moment but also the rising stars shaping pop culture’s future. Here are our predictions for who could take home these coveted awards.
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ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Lady Gaga
The 2025 Artist of the Year race is one of the tightest yet, but we place Lady Gaga just ahead of her competition. Her seventh studio album, Mayhem, was a massive success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and scoring one of the biggest opening weeks of the year in the U.S. The record spawned global hits like “Die With a Smile” and “Abracadabra,” further cementing her dominance. Combined with one of the most passionate fanbases in music, Gaga looks poised to claim this award.
Strong contenders: Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift
BEST NEW ARTIST
Winner: Alex Warren
The Best New Artist award often signals who will define the next wave of pop culture—and this year, Alex Warren seems to be the frontrunner. His viral single “Ordinary” became a global smash, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart for multiple weeks. Warren followed that momentum with his debut album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid, solidifying himself as one of the brightest new voices in music.
Strong contenders: Sombr, The Marías
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