The countdown is on! The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will air Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, live from the UBS Arena in New York.
For the second time, the iconic venue will host one of the biggest nights in music, featuring show-stopping performances, major award wins, and unforgettable moments.
2025 VMAs Performers: First Round Lineup
MTV has unveiled the first batch of 2025 VMAs performers, and it’s already packed with star power:
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Ricky Martin (set to receive the Latin Icon Award)
- Alex Warren
- Busta Rhymes (honored with the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award)
- J Balvin ft. DJ Snake
- sombr
A second wave of performers will be announced closer to show night.
Sabrina Carpenter is expected to deliver another unforgettable set after her viral 2024 VMA performance of “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” which earned her the Song of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey will receive the legendary Video Vanguard Award, joining the ranks of past recipients like Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and Jennifer Lopez.
How to Watch the 2025 VMAs Live
Fans can watch the 2025 VMAs live on CBS and MTV. The show will also be available to stream on Paramount+ Premium.
- Paramount+ Premium subscribers: Watch live on Sept. 7
- Paramount+ Essential subscribers: Full replay available starting Sept. 8
2025 VMA Nominations: Major Categories
Here’s a look at some of the biggest 2025 MTV VMA nominations:
Video of the Year
- Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead”
- Billie Eilish – “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
- Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
Artist of the Year
- Bad Bunny
- Beyoncé
- Kendrick Lamar
- Lady Gaga
- Morgan Wallen
- Taylor Swift
- The Weeknd
Song of the Year
- Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
- Billie Eilish – “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
- Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
- Gracie Abrams – “I Love You, I’m Sorry”
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
- Lorde – “What Was That”
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
- The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
Best New Artist
- Alex Warren
- Ella Langley
- Gigi Perez
- Lola Young
- sombr
- The Marías
Additional categories include Best Pop, Best Hip-Hop, Best Rock, Best Latin, Best K-Pop, Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and many more.
