Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, and Sabrina Carpenter are just a few of the artists set to hit the main stage at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Hosted by LL Cool J, The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will be one to remember. For the first time ever, this year’s VMAs will air live on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 7, from New York’s UBS Arena while still simulcasting on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.
The VMAs have been shaping iconic pop culture moments for decades, and this year promises to keep the streak alive. Expect debut performances from legends like Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey, alongside favorites like Doja Cat and Sabrina Carpenter. Before the main show kicks off, the one-hour pre-show will be stacked with special performances of its own. Plus, The VMAs are adding two new awards to the list..
With surprises, live debuts, and unforgettable moments, the night is expected to be one for the books. Still debating whether to watch? Here are seven reasons you definitely don’t want to miss the 2025 MTV VMAs.
1). Lady Gaga’s First VMA Performance in Five Years + Leading the Nominations
After five years away from the VMAs, Lady Gaga is officially back! She’s set to perform on the big stage before kicking off her Mayhem Ball Tour. On top of that, she’s dominating this year’s nomination list with 12 nods, including Artist of the Year and Best Album for Mayhem.
The competition is stacked. She’s followed closely by Bruno Mars (11 nominations), Kendrick Lamar (10), Sabrina Carpenter (9), ROSÉ (8), and Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (7 each).
2). Mariah Carey Gets the Video Vanguard Award
Five-time Grammy award winning artist, Mariah Carey is this year’s Video Vanguard Award recipient, an honor given to artists who’ve made a huge impact on music videos and pop culture. Past winners include Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and most recently Katy Perry.
Carey hasn’t hit the VMA stage in 20 years, so fans are in for a real treat when she performs a medley of her biggest hits during the show.
3). Busta Rhymes Honored With the Rock the Bells Visionary Award
For the first time ever, the VMAs are giving out the Rock the Bells Visionary Award and it’s going to hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes. According to Cosmopolitan, the award celebrates his “boundary-breaking cultural impact in hip-hop and beyond.” And yes, he’ll be performing too.
4). Ricky Martin Named the First-Ever Latin Icon
History is being made again! Ricky Martin is officially the first artist to receive the VMAs’ new Latin Icon Award. Back in 1999, he was also the first Latin artist ever nominated for Video of the Year with Livin’ la Vida Loca.
This year, he’s not just being honored. Martin will also hit the stage for a special performance.
5). KATSEYE Takes Over the Pre-Show
The pre-show is stacked this year, and K-pop girl group KATSEYE is making their VMA debut with performances of Gnarly and Gabriela from their new EP Beautiful Chaos. The international group is also up for two awards: MTV PUSH Performance of the Year and Best Group.
The pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, kicks off at 7 p.m. ET across MTV and BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.
6). The Extended Play Stage Goes Prime Time
This year, the Extended Play Stage is moving into the main show for the first time ever. Three first-time nominees are set to shine. Country music sensation Bailey Zimmerman joined by global superstar Kid LAROI. British singer and songwriter Lola Young will perform her song Messy and Megan Moroney will hit the stage with her hit song 6 Months Later.
7). Star-Packed Performances & Presenters
The VMAs wouldn’t be complete without a star-studded lineup. Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Sombr, and more are confirmed to perform. Presenters include Drew Barrymore, Brittany Snow, Paris Hilton, Ice Spice, Latto, Ciara, and EJAE, REI AMI and Audrey Nuna, from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.
With so many firsts, unforgettable tributes, and powerhouse performances lined up, the 2025 MTV VMAs are gearing up to be one unforgettable night. From Gaga’s comeback to Carey’s big moment and all the performances in between, this is one night music fans won’t want to skip. So grab your snacks, clear your Sunday night schedule, and get ready. The 2025 MTV VMAs air Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.
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