MTV has announced that Conan Gray, Doja Cat, and Tate McRae will join the lineup of high-profile performers when the VMAs air live on September 7, 2025, from UBS Arena in New York, broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
They join an already stacked roster of performers, including Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin, sombr, Alex Warren, and this year’s Video Vanguard Award recipient, Mariah Carey.
Conan Gray to Perform “Vodka Cranberry” at the 2025 MTV VMAs
Pop star Conan Gray will return to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2022. This year, he’ll make his main stage debut with a live performance of “Vodka Cranberry”, a standout track from his recently released fourth studio album, Wishbone.
Gray last appeared at the 2022 VMAs, where he performed “Disaster” and “Memories” on the Extended Play stage. Now, with Wishbone earning critical acclaim for its mix of emotional lyricism and synth-driven production, fans are eager to see how Gray brings the new single to life in his signature dramatic style.
Tate McRae Brings Dance-Driven Energy
Also making her main stage debut is Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer Tate McRae, who has become known for blending pop vocals with choreography-heavy performances.
McRae recently released her third studio album, So Close to What, led by the single “Sports Car”. The record also features fan-favorite hits “Revolving Door” and “It’s Ok I’m Ok”, any of which could make their way into her highly anticipated VMAs set.
With her ability to fuse slick dance routines and live vocals, McRae is expected to deliver one of the most high-energy, choreography-forward performances of the night.
Doja Cat Returns Ahead of New Album Vie
Doja Cat is officially returning to the VMAs stage just weeks before the release of her fifth studio album, Vie, arriving September 26, 2025.
She will debut “Jealous Type”, her latest single with retro ‘80s vibes, produced by Jack Antonoff and Y2K. The VMAs performance will mark the first live performance of the track and Doja’s first VMAs appearance since 2023, when she brought down the house with her Scarlet era.
As one of today’s most genre-bending and visually creative performers, her set is expected to be a major highlight of the night.
Post Malone’s First VMAs Performance Since 2018
After a seven-year break, Post Malone is returning to the VMAs stage. The chart-topping artist is nominated this year for “Pour Me A Drink,” his hit collaboration with Blake Shelton from Malone’s country-inspired album F-1 Trillion.
Fans are eager to see how Malone blends his new country sound with his signature mix of hip-hop and pop at the VMAs. His performance will mark his first appearance at the awards since 2018.
Jelly Roll Makes His VMAs Debut
Country-rock and hip-hop crossover artist Jelly Roll will also take the VMAs stage for the first time.
Having appeared on Malone’s F-1 Trillion project while continuing to dominate country and rock charts with his own singles, Jelly Roll is expected to bring a soulful, powerhouse performance that cements his place as one of the most exciting voices in modern music.
Special Honors and Iconic Performances
In addition to the main performance lineup, the 2025 MTV VMAs will also honor three legendary artists.
Mariah Carey – recipient of the MTV VMAs Video Vanguard Award, with a career-spanning performance celebrating her decades of influence.
Busta Rhymes – honored with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop.
Ricky Martin – awarded the first-ever Latin Icon Award, cementing his legacy as one of the most important global voices in Latin music.
What to Expect From the 2025 MTV VMAs
The MTV VMAs 2025 promise to deliver a mix of pop, hip-hop, country, and Latin music performances, highlighting the diverse state of the music industry.
With main stage debuts, comeback performances, and legendary tributes, this year’s show could become one of the most memorable in recent history.
Fans can tune in Sunday, September 7, 2025, live from UBS Arena in New York on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
