The MTV VMAs may have lost some of the impact from its cultural heyday in 2009, when Lady Gaga performed “Paparazzi,” Lil Mama ended her career by crashing Jay-Z’s performance, and Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift all in one night. But the awards show remains a cultural touchpoint for multiple generations, and at least Gaga still slays every time. Alongside stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat, this year’s ceremony will feature such ’90s icons as Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin. Below, everything we know about who is going to boogie with the Moonmen.
The VMAs will have an in memoriam this year?
Not exactly, but Ozzy Osbourne did so much for the network that they’d be remiss not to pay tribute. Musicians are putting on a set for the Prince of Darkness this year at the VMAs. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will be rocking out, alongside Yungblud and metal guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.
Who’s performing at the 2025 VMAs?
Lady Gaga will be bringing her Mayhem Ball to Jersey. She leads nominations at the 2025 MTV VMAs, and she’s well rehearsed with her world tour still chugging along, so it makes sense for Gaga to bring a little Dance or Die to the VMAs. Besides her iconic “Paparazzi” in 2009, Gaga last performed at the VMAs with Ariana Grande in 2020.
It’s impossible to say you don’t know her: The queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, is taking over summer, receiving the Video Vanguard Award, the network’s highest honor. She’ll also perform a medley of her greatest hits. This will be the first time Carey will win a Moon Person — a shame truly, but don’t feel too bad. Mimi has won six Grammy Awards, 14 Billboard Music Awards, and ten American Music Awards. Plus, what’s more Mariah than your first MTV award being the biggest one at a ceremony?
It will not only be an emancipation of Mimi. Other performers this year include Doja Cat, Conan Gray, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and Tate McRae, the VMAs said on August 26. They’re joining previously confirmed performers Ricky Martin (winner of the VMAs’ first Latin Icon Award), Sabrina Carpenter, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin, Alex Warren, and Sombr. It’s all an early Christmas wish (or a “Fantasy”) come true!
Who is nominated?
Lady Gaga, who is currently out on her Mayhem Ball tour, is the most-nominated artist of the night, with 12 nominations. She’s up for Artist of the Year alongside a bunch of other pop icons: Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and the Weeknd. Check out the full list here.
Who is hosting?
LL Cool J will host solo for the first time, though he did co-host in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. He hosted five consecutive Grammy ceremonies between 2012 and 2016, so it should be smooth sailing,
When is it?
The 2025 VMAs are going down on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET.