The music industry gears up for one of its most anticipated events as the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are scheduled to illuminate the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, September 7th. Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J, this year’s ceremony promises a spectacular celebration of artistic achievement, featuring groundbreaking performances, historic honors, and extensive fan engagement.
Icons Honored: A Night of Special Recognition
This year’s VMAs will pay tribute to artists who have profoundly shaped music and culture. Hip-hop titan Busta Rhymes is set to receive the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his “boundary-breaking cultural impact and an indomitable musical career.” Rhymes, a celebrated artist with numerous accolades, will also take the stage to perform hits from his expansive catalog. Adding to the historic nature of the night, global superstar Ricky Martin will be honored with the first-ever Latin Icon Award. This prestigious award celebrates Martin’s four-decade career, which has been pivotal in bringing Latin music and culture to the global mainstream, marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking 1999 VMA performance. Furthermore, the legendary Mariah Carey will be celebrated with the coveted Video Vanguard Award, acknowledging her immense contributions to the art form.
Superstar Performances to Light Up the Stage
The 2025 VMA stage will be graced by a star-studded lineup of performers. Already announced are Doja Cat, who will deliver the television debut of her new single “Jealous Type”; Jelly Roll, a multiple nominee this year; Post Malone, returning to the VMA stage for the first time since 2018; Conan Gray and Tate McRae, both making their main stage debuts; Sabrina Carpenter; J Balvin, performing with DJ Snake, Justin Quiles, and Lenny Tavárez; Alex Warren; and Sombr. These artists represent a diverse range of genres and styles, promising a dynamic and unforgettable show that underscores the breadth of contemporary music.
The Race for the Moon Person: Nominees and New Categories
Lady Gaga leads the pack of nominees for the 2025 VMAs with an impressive twelve nominations, including key categories like Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. She is closely followed by Bruno Mars with eleven nominations and Kendrick Lamar with ten. The ceremony also introduces two new categories: Best Country Artist and Best Pop Artist, reflecting the evolving landscape of popular music. The awards continue their commitment to gender-neutral categories, with 19 categories in total being decided by fan votes.
Your Voice Matters: How to Participate in the Fan Voting
In true VMA fashion, fan participation is central to the awards. Voting for the majority of the 19 categories is now open at vote.mtv.com and will continue until Friday, September 5th, at 6 p.m. ET. Notably, the voting for the highly anticipated Best New Artist category will remain open until the conclusion of the live broadcast, allowing fans to have their say until the very last moment. This robust fan-driven voting process ensures that the VMAs remain a true reflection of popular taste and impact in the music world, effectively serving as the audience’s ballot.
Broadcast Details: Where to Watch the Music Awards
Music enthusiasts can catch the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards live on Sunday, September 7th, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. For the first time, the ceremony will be broadcast on CBS, with a simulcast also airing on MTV. Streaming options will be available via Paramount+ Premium for those who wish to watch online. The comprehensive coverage ensures that fans across multiple platforms can experience the excitement of music’s biggest night.
The 2025 MTV VMAs are poised to be a landmark event, celebrating established legends and rising stars alike, all while highlighting the vibrant and ever-changing world of music. The combination of influential honorees, diverse performers, and direct fan involvement promises a compelling showcase of the year’s most significant music videos and artists.
