A Night of Firsts and Returns

The 2025 MTV VMAs will feature performances from a dynamic mix of established stars and rising talents. Sabrina Carpenter, nominated for eight awards, will take the stage, as will international sensation J Balvin, who returns to the VMAs for the first time as 2022. Balvin will perform his hit “Zun Zun” alongside justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, and will later debut a new collaboration, “Noventa,” with DJ Snake, who is also making his VMA debut.

Adding to the excitement, Alex Warren, an MTV PUSH artist, will make his first appearance at the awards show.Breakthrough singer-songwriter Sombr will also make his VMA debut, following nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative.

Nomination Leaders and Key Contenders

Lady Gaga leads the pack with an impressive 12 nominations, closely followed by Bruno Mars (11 nominations) and kendrick Lamar (10 nominations). All three artists are vying for the coveted Video of the Year award,alongside Carpenter’s nomination for “Manchild” from her upcoming album,Man’s Best Friend.

A New Home for the VMAs

In a critically important shift, the 2025 VMAs will air live on CBS for the first time in the show’s history, in addition to its conventional broadcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. This move expands the reach of the VMAs to a broader audience.The show will be hosted by the ever-popular LL Cool J.

Behind the Scenes

the 2025 VMAs are being produced by Van Toffler’s Gunpowder & Sky,with Bruce Gillmer,Jesse Ignjatovic (Den of Thieves co-founder),and Barb Bialkowski serving as executive producers. This production team brings a wealth of experience in live event production to the VMAs.