Quick Read
- The 2025 MTV VMAs will air live on September 7 from UBS Arena, New York.
- Lady Gaga headlines the performers, with her first VMAs performance in five years.
- KATSEYE will perform during the pre-show and is nominated for two awards.
- Mariah Carey will receive the Video Vanguard Award; Busta Rhymes will be honored with the Visionary Award.
- LL Cool J is hosting, with Jessica Simpson and Drew Barrymore among the presenters.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are shaping up to be a monumental night in the music industry. Slated for Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET, the event will be hosted at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, marking its second consecutive year at the venue. With performances by some of the biggest names in music, groundbreaking nominations, and special honors, the VMAs promise an unforgettable evening for fans worldwide.
Star-Studded Performances to Look Forward To
The VMAs are renowned for their electrifying performances, and the 2025 edition is no exception. Headlining the event is Lady Gaga, who will perform at the VMAs for the first time in five years. Fans are eagerly anticipating her return, which MTV has teased as “magic in the air.” Joining her are artists like Doja Cat, who will debut her new single “Jealous Type,” and Conan Gray, set to perform his hit “Vodka Cranberry.”
Emerging global sensations KATSEYE will take the pre-show stage at 7 p.m. ET. Known for their chart-topping hits “Gabriela” and “Gnarly,” the group is making waves as a “next-generation pop icon.” As reported by Biz Chosun, this marks a significant milestone in their career, only a year after their debut. Other performances include J Balvin with DJ Snake, Post Malone, and honorees Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes.
Nominees: A Competitive Field
The 2025 VMAs boast a competitive lineup of nominees. Leading the pack is Lady Gaga with 12 nominations, including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year. Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar follow closely with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively. Rising stars like Alex Warren and KATSEYE are also making their mark, with the latter nominated for Best Group and PUSH Performance of the Year.
Mariah Carey will be honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, returning to the VMAs stage for the first time in 20 years. As noted by US Magazine, Carey will perform a medley of her greatest hits, celebrating her illustrious career. Busta Rhymes will receive the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, solidifying his legacy in the music industry.
Fans Take Center Stage
Fan engagement has always been a cornerstone of the VMAs. Voting for most categories closed on September 5, but fans can still vote for Best New Artist during the live show. Special initiatives, like the Power Hour presented by Bacardi, allowed fans to double their votes daily. As highlighted by 963XKE, Instagram hashtags also played a crucial role in amplifying fan voices.
Presenters and Hosts
LL Cool J will host the 2025 VMAs, returning to the spotlight after co-hosting the show in 2022. The pre-show will be hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, featuring a special performance by KATSEYE. The star-studded lineup of presenters includes Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Ice Spice, and Drew Barrymore, among others, ensuring a dynamic mix of personalities on stage.
The VMAs remain one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment calendar, celebrating the best in music while setting the stage for unforgettable moments.
With an unparalleled lineup of performances, high-stakes nominations, and fan-driven initiatives, the 2025 MTV VMAs are set to leave an indelible mark on the music world.