Quick Read
- Lady Gaga leads the 2025 MTV VMAs with 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year.
- Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar follow with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.
- New categories like Best Country and Best Pop Artist debut this year.
- Fan voting is open until September 5, with the event airing live on September 8 from UBS Arena.
On August 5, 2025, MTV unveiled the much-anticipated list of nominees for the 2025 Video Music Awards (VMAs), setting the stage for one of the most exciting nights in music. With a total of 12 nominations, Lady Gaga once again proves her dominance in the industry. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 8, at the UBS Arena in New York, airing live on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+.
Lady Gaga Leads the Pack
Lady Gaga has cemented her legacy as one of music’s most celebrated artists with her 12 nominations this year. Her album Mayhem and the collaborative hit “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars earned her nods in key categories such as Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Album, and Best Collaboration. Additionally, her technical achievements in direction, visual effects, and choreography for the music video “Abracadabra” highlight her multifaceted talent. This marks the third time Gaga has led the VMAs nominations, having previously achieved this feat in 2010 and 2020.
Bruno Mars follows closely with 11 nominations, many of which stem from his collaborations with Gaga and ROSÉ. Kendrick Lamar, another heavyweight contender, garnered 10 nominations for his album GNX and tracks like “Not Like Us” and “Luther.” Lamar’s accolades include nods for Best Hip-Hop, Best Direction, and Best Cinematography, showcasing his artistic versatility.
New Categories and Rising Stars
This year, MTV has introduced two new categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist. These additions reflect the evolving landscape of the music industry, providing a platform for a broader range of artists. The Best Country category features nominees like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll, while Best Pop Artist includes household names such as Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Charli XCX.
ROSÉ, a member of the K-pop group BLACKPINK, makes history as the first K-pop soloist to secure eight nominations in a single VMAs. Her duet “APT.” with Bruno Mars is a strong contender in categories like Video of the Year and Best Collaboration. Sabrina Carpenter also earned eight nominations, solidifying her status as a rising pop sensation with her hit “Manchild.”
Notably, the 2025 VMAs celebrate 33 first-time nominees, including artists like Gigi Perez and The Marías. The late Mac Miller received a posthumous nomination for his long-form video “Balloonerism,” a poignant acknowledgment of his enduring influence on the music world.
Fan Engagement and Voting
Fan voting is an integral part of the VMAs, with polls open for 19 categories on vote.mtv.com. Voting closes on September 5, except for the Best New Artist category, which remains open until the night of the event. Fans can also participate through Instagram hashtags and “Power Hour” voting sessions, adding an interactive dimension to the awards.
The competition is fierce in the Artist of the Year category, where Lady Gaga faces off against industry titans like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. A win for either Beyoncé or Swift would break their tie of 30 career VMA trophies, further cementing their legacies.
Anticipated Performances and Cultural Impact
As always, the VMAs promise a night of unforgettable performances. While the lineup has yet to be officially announced, fans can expect appearances from some of the year’s top nominees. The ceremony’s emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, with gender-neutral categories and a mix of mainstream and emerging artists, underscores its cultural relevance.
The VMAs have long been a barometer of the music industry’s trends and transformations. This year’s nominations highlight the growing influence of genres like K-pop and Afrobeats, with artists such as ROSÉ and Burna Boy receiving significant recognition. The inclusion of new categories further demonstrates MTV’s commitment to staying attuned to the evolving tastes of its audience.
The 2025 VMAs are shaping up to be a landmark event, celebrating the creativity and diversity that define today’s music landscape. With fan voting in full swing, the stage is set for an unforgettable night that honors both established icons and rising stars.