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Inside the 2025 MTV VMAs: What’s in Store this Year
The MTV Video Music Awards have never been just another awards show. For more than 40 years, they’ve delivered the kind of moments people still talk about. In 2025, the VMAs return with the same spirit, but a fresh energy for a new era. This year’s show will be broadcast live from New York’s UBS Arena on September 7, LL COOL J will host the 2025 MTV VMAs. And while the red carpet will provide plenty of fashion headlines, the focus is on what’s happening inside
Honoring Icons
The VMAs this year will feature three big tributes. Mariah Carey will receive the Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her lasting influence on music videos. Busta Rhymes will be given the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, honoring his impact on hip-hop culture and visuals. While Ricky Martin is set to receive the inaugural Latin Icon Award, Showing how far Latin music has come worldwide. These honors show how the VMAs are widening their lens, and celebrating influence across genres and generations. This year’s performers capture what the VMAs are all about, bringing together both music icons and rising stars.
Lady Gaga, the night’s top nominee with 12 nominations, will return for her first VMA performance since 2020. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile”, has dominated the year, and fans are expecting her to deliver big on Sunday Night. Fans are equally looking forward to a performance from Mariah Carey. Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Post Malone, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Conan Gray, Alex Warren, and Jelly Roll are also set to perform making it one of the most diverse lineups MTV has staged in years.
For the first time, the Extended Play Stage will be part of the main show, featuring Bailey Zimmerman with The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Morone. The pre-show keeps the energy high with KATSEYE performing their viral singles “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.”
The music is covered by the performers, but it’s the presenters who will bring the fun commentary and surprises. Stars like Ciara, Ice Spice, Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Latto, and the Simpson sisters (Jessica and Ashlee) are all set to appear. Even fictional characters have their place this year — the voices behind HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop girl group from KPop Demon Hunters, will make a special appearance.
The Stakes of 2025
With Lady Gaga leading with 12 nominations, Bruno Mars close behind with 11, and Kendrick Lamar with 10, competition at this year’s VMAs is tough. Sabrina Carpenter, ROSÉ, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and Tate McRae will all be hoping to end the night with a win.
Conclusion
But aside from the competition, MTV is calling this year’s show “Music’s Most Iconic Night.” but it makes sense. Even with how much music has changed, the VMAs are still one of the few shows where fans, artists, and pop culture all come together live.