The Night’s Nominees, Performers and More (Live Updates)

The 2025 MTV VMAs are here.

The star-studded awards show is taking place Sunday, Sept. 7, starting at 8 p.m. ET at the UBS Arena in New York. Fans can expect an evening full of Moonpersons being handed out, show-stopping performances and plenty of surprises along the way.

LL Cool J returns to the VMAs stage as host. Lady Gaga, who is slated to perform, is the most nominated artist of the night, for 12 awards, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Album and more. She’s followed by the likes of Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter. 

Other notable nominees include Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Tate McRae. 

Additionally, Mariah Carey will be taking home the coveted Video Vanguard Award while Busta Rhymes will receive the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award and Ricky Martin will be honored with the Latin Icon Award.

The night will see the first-ever Moonpersons handed out to two new categories, Best Country and Best Pop Artist.

Both Rhymes and Martin will perform throughout the ceremony. Also set to take the stage is Carpenter, McRae, Jelly Roll, Alex Warren, J Balvin and DJ Snake, sombr, Conan Gray, Doja Cat and Post Malone. The evening will also include a powerhouse tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt all coming together for a once-in-a-lifetime performance. 

Keep reading for all the highlights and updates from the 2025 Video Music Awards, airing on CBS and MTV and streaming on Paramount+.