MTV VMAs 2025: Lady Gaga Leads Nominations as Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Jelly Roll Join Star-Studded Performer Lineup
The music world is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) prepare to take over New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7. This year’s ceremony promises a spectacular night celebrating the year’s most impactful music videos and artists, featuring a diverse lineup of performers and prestigious honorees. Leading the pack of nominations is pop superstar Lady Gaga, who has garnered an impressive 12 nods, signaling a major night for the artist.
Lady Gaga’s extensive nominations span critical categories such as Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and Song of the Year, reflecting a dominant year for her music and visual artistry. Hot on her heels is Bruno Mars, who secured 11 nominations, including multiple nods for Video of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaborations “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT.” with ROSÉ. Kendrick Lamar follows closely with 10 nominations, underscoring his significant influence in the past year’s music landscape.
A Stellar Performance Lineup Takes Center Stage
Adding to the excitement, a wave of acclaimed artists has been confirmed to grace the VMAs stage. Global hitmakers Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Jelly Roll are among the latest additions to the performer roster, joining previously announced acts like Tate McRae and Conan Gray. These artists are set to deliver memorable performances that will undoubtedly captivate the audience.
Post Malone, a seasoned VMA performer and multiple nominee, will return to the stage to celebrate his latest work. Doja Cat, who previously hosted the VMAs in 2021, will offer the first televised performance of her new single “Jealous Type”. Jelly Roll, a multi-genre phenomenon, makes his return to the VMAs stage, competing for his first-ever Moon Person awards across multiple categories, including Best Country and Best Hip-Hop.
Conan Gray and Tate McRae are slated to make their main stage debuts at the VMAs, with Gray performing “Vodka Cranberry” and McRae set to perform tracks from her recent album. These rising stars are poised to make a significant impact on music’s biggest night.
The performance lineup also features previously announced artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, who returns to the VMAs after her viral 2024 performance and Song of the Year win, and J Balvin, who will team up with DJ Snake for the live premiere of their new track. Supporting acts Alex Warren and Sombr will also take the stage, adding to the diverse range of talent.
Iconic Honors for Music Legends
This year’s VMAs will also shine a spotlight on legendary figures in the music industry through prestigious honorary awards. Music icon Mariah Carey will receive the coveted Video Vanguard Award, recognizing her profound impact on music videos and pop culture. Carey, known for her record-breaking 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, will also deliver a career-spanning medley of her greatest hits, marking her first VMAs performance in two decades.
In a historic moment, pop superstar Ricky Martin will be honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, celebrating his four-decade career that has significantly advanced Latin music and culture globally. Hip-hop titan Busta Rhymes will receive the first-ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, acknowledging his boundary-breaking cultural impact and enduring musical career. Both Rhymes and Martin are also scheduled to perform, adding to the night’s star power.
Host and Broadcast Details
Veteran artist and actor LL Cool J will return to host the 2025 MTV VMAs, marking his first time leading the ceremony solo after co-hosting in previous years. The awards ceremony will broadcast live from UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. For the first time, the VMAs will air on the CBS Television Network, with a simulcast on MTV and streaming available on Paramount+ in the U.S..
With a powerful lineup of performers, significant honorees, and a fresh broadcast approach, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are set to be a landmark event in the music industry, celebrating diverse genres and the artists who continue to shape popular culture.
