Full Breakdown
2025 MTV Video Music Awards: A Night of Stars and Tributes
9/6/2025, 12:31:27 PM
Overview of the Event
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will take place on Sunday, September 7, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This year marks a significant change as the awards will be broadcast live on CBS for the first time, alongside a simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+. LL Cool J will host the ceremony, which begins at 8 p.m. ET, with a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET featuring performances from first-time nominees.
Major Nominees and Awards
Lady Gaga leads the nominations with 12 nods, including Artist of the Year, where she competes against Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd. Bruno Mars follows closely with 11 nominations, while Kendrick Lamar has 10. This year also introduces new fan-voted categories, including Best Pop Artist and Best Country.
Mariah Carey will receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her impact on music and pop culture, and will perform a medley of her greatest hits. Busta Rhymes will be honored with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his contributions to hip-hop, while Ricky Martin will receive the Latin Icon Award.
Performances and Special Tributes
The VMAs will feature a star-studded lineup of performances. Lady Gaga is set to open the show with her first televised performance from her latest album, "Mayhem." Other confirmed performers include Doja Cat, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, and the K-pop girl group KATSEYE, who will perform during the pre-show.
A special tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne will highlight the evening, featuring Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt performing a medley of his greatest hits. Osbourne, known as the "Prince of Darkness," passed away on July 22, 2025, and his legacy will be honored during the ceremony.
Taylor Swift's Absence
Notably, Taylor Swift will not attend this year's VMAs despite being nominated for Artist of the Year. Swift, who is currently preparing for the release of her album "The Life of a Showgirl," has previously made history at the VMAs, holding the record for the most wins alongside Beyoncé, with 30 awards each. Her absence comes as she supports her fiancé, NFL player Travis Kelce, who is participating in a game in Brazil on the same day.
Viewing Options
Fans can watch the 2025 MTV VMAs live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Various streaming services, including Fubo, DirecTV, and Philo, also offer options to view the event, with many providing free trial periods for new subscribers.
Conclusion
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards promise to be a memorable night filled with high-energy performances, significant awards, and heartfelt tributes. As the ceremony adapts to new broadcasting standards, it aims to maintain its reputation as a cultural touchstone in the music industry. With Lady Gaga leading the nominations and a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, this year's VMAs are set to be a landmark event in pop culture history.
