The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are back—and they’re bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever. Leading this year’s nominations is global superstar Lady Gaga, with a staggering 12 nods, followed closely by Bruno Mars (11) and Kendrick Lamar (10). From genre-expanding updates to first-time nominees, the 2025 VMAs are making music history.
What’s New This Year?
MTV has introduced two new award categories—Best Pop Artist and Best Country Video—to reflect the rapidly changing music landscape. This move marks the VMAs’ commitment to honoring diverse genres and broadening their cultural reach.
Additionally, 2025 sets a record with 33 first-time nominees, highlighting the growing influence of digital creators, independent artists, and international acts. Among them are rising stars like Gigi Perez, Alex Warren, and Mac Miller, who received a posthumous nod.
Top Nominees at a Glance
- Lady Gaga leads all artists, dominating major categories like Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year. Her artistry in both visual storytelling and sound design continues to set industry benchmarks.
- Bruno Mars follows with 11 nominations, earning recognition for both his solo work and standout collaborations—most notably with ROSÉ on the critically acclaimed duet “APT.”
- Kendrick Lamar receives 10 nominations, praised for his lyrical genius and creative direction in videos such as “Not Like Us.”
Other multi-nominated artists include ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter (8 each), Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (7 each), and Billie Eilish and Charli XCX, who also secured multiple key nominations.
Spotlight: Video of the Year & Artist of the Year
The Video of the Year category is stacked with creativity and star power, featuring entries from:
- Ariana Grande
- Billie Eilish
- Kendrick Lamar
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
- Sabrina Carpenter
- The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti
For Artist of the Year, the battle is fierce among Gaga, Kendrick, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd—each representing different corners of the music universe.
Global Influence and Fan Power
This year’s VMAs reflect global shifts in music, with strong representation from Latin, K-pop, hip-hop, and country. Artists from across continents—like BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Lisa, Beyoncé, and Bad Bunny—are drawing worldwide fanbases into the spotlight.
As always, fan voting plays a central role in the results. Fans can vote in most categories until September 5, with a bonus Power Hour voting window each day where their votes count double.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
- Location: UBS Arena, Long Island, New York
- Broadcast: Live on MTV and CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+
What Makes 2025’s VMAs Special?
- Gaga’s return to dominance after her latest visual album earned universal acclaim
- Genre inclusivity with expanded category recognition
- Fresh faces joining industry legends on the same stage
- Cultural conversations about gender, genre fluidity, and fan-driven success
Final Takeaway
The 2025 MTV VMAs are more than just a celebration of music videos—they’re a snapshot of modern pop culture. From Gaga’s theatrical flair to breakout moments from new artists, the awards reflect both legacy and innovation.
Whether you’re tuning in for the red carpet, the performances, or to cheer for your favorites, one thing is clear: the future of music is more diverse, dynamic, and fan-powered than ever.
