The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are being held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025, with coverage airing on CBS for the first time and live streaming on Paramount+ Premium and MTV[2]. Rapper and actor LL Cool J is hosting this year’s event[2]. The pre-show is hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney and airs on MTV and select cable networks[2].
This year marks the introduction of two new fan-voted categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist[2]. The show will be honoring music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025[2]. Lady Gaga leads the nominations with twelve, followed by Bruno Mars with eleven and Kendrick Lamar with ten[2].
Mariah Carey is this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award honoree and performer, Busta Rhymes will receive the Rock the Bells Visionary Award and perform, and Ricky Martin will be honored with the Latin Icon Award and also perform[2][4].
Noteworthy presenters include Alix Earle, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Lenny Kravitz, Livvy Dunne, Paris Hilton, and Rosé, among others[2].
The performers for the 2025 show include Alex Warren, Bailey Zimmerman, Conan Gray, DJ Snake, Doja Cat, J Balvin, Jelly Roll, and Joe Perry & Steven Tyler[4]. There is also notable cross-genre representation with artists like Jelly Roll and Post Malone performing together to bring country music to the VMAs stage[5].
The fan voting period for most categories ended on September 5, but voting for Best New Artist will continue throughout the ceremony[2].
Viewers can watch the show live starting at 8/7c on CBS[3]. MTV offers extensive backstage coverage and streaming options as well[1].