The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are expanding. On August 5, MTV officially announced this year’s full list of VMA nominees—alongside two brand-new award categories: Best Pop Artist and Best Country. This marks a significant shift for the show, as it’s the first time country music has been recognized with its own category in VMA history—signaling MTV’s commitment to evolving with the music industry’s changing landscape.
The VMAs will air live on September 7 from UBS Arena in New York City, simulcast on CBS, MTV, and streamed via Paramount+.
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For the first time, the Best Pop Artist category will recognize consistent excellence in the genre—not just one-off hits. The award highlights overall artistic impact and cultural presence over the past year.
Nominees for Best Pop Artist 2025:
• Ariana Grande
• Charli XCX
• Justin Bieber
• Lorde
• Miley Cyrus
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Tate McRae
Meanwhile, country music is finally getting its moment at the VMAs. The newly introduced Best Country Artist category reflects the genre’s growing mainstream popularity and increasing influence in visual music culture.
Nominees for Best Country Artist 2025:
• Chris Stapleton – “Think I’m in Love With You”
• Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood – “I’m Gonna Love You”
• Jelly Roll – “Liar”
• Lainey Wilson – “4x4xU”
• Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
• Morgan Wallen – “Smile”
Outside of the new categories, the 2025 VMA nominations are led by Lady Gaga with 12 nods, followed closely by Bruno Mars (11) and Kendrick Lamar (10). Other artists with multiple nominations include Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter with eight each, and Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven each.
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