The MTV VMAs 2025 nominations have officially been announced, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated nights in music. From surprising snubs to breakout stars stealing the spotlight, this year’s list has fans buzzing — especially with Taylor Swift landing just one nomination despite her massive success this year.
The nominations for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are finally here—and they are nothing short of electrifying. Pop icon Lady Gaga dominates with a record-tying 12 nominations, leading an impressive roster of global artists ready to make history on music’s most visual night.
From blockbuster collaborations to groundbreaking newcomers, this year’s VMAs showcase a thrilling blend of mainstream brilliance and rising talent. Here’s everything you need to know about the nominees, categories, voting details, and the upcoming show.
🌟 Lady Gaga Tops the List with 12 Nominations
Lady Gaga’s artistic reinvention in her latest album “Mayhem” has captivated both fans and critics, earning her 12 nominations—the most by any artist this year and tying her personal best.
She’s nominated in nearly every major category including:
- Video of the Year (“Die With a Smile” feat. Bruno Mars)
- Artist of the Year
- Best Pop Artist
- Album of the Year
- Several technical categories for cinematography, visual effects, and direction
Her collaboration with Bruno Mars has particularly resonated, blending theatrical visuals with timeless soundscapes.
🏆 Top Nominees and Their Categories
🎬 Video of the Year (Presented by Burger King)
This category is packed with visual masterpieces:
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
- Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
- Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
- The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
- Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
đź‘‘ Artist of the Year
The biggest names of the decade go head-to-head:
- Lady Gaga
- Beyoncé
- Kendrick Lamar
- Taylor Swift
- The Weeknd
- Bad Bunny
- Morgan Wallen
Fun fact: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are currently tied for most career VMA wins (30 each). Will one of them break the tie this year?
🎶 Song of the Year
This list reflects the emotional highs and viral moments of 2025:
- Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
- Doechii – “Anxiety”
- Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
- Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
- Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
- Gracie Abrams – “I Love You, I’m Sorry”
- The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
- Lorde – “What Was That”
- Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
✨ Emerging Stars Shine Bright
A record 33 first-time nominees are included this year, signaling a fresh wave of global music talent:
- Rosé (of BLACKPINK) and Sabrina Carpenter both earned 8 nominations—major firsts for both stars
- Mac Miller receives a posthumous nomination for his visual album Balloonerism
- Rising artists like Alex Warren, Lola Young, The MarĂas, and Gigi Perez are also among the fresh faces making their debut
🔥 Genre Diversity: New Gender-Neutral Categories Introduced
This year, the VMAs have expanded their inclusivity with two new gender-neutral genre categories:
🎧 Best Pop Artist
Nominees:
Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Justin Bieber, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae
🤠Best Country Artist
Nominees:
Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Zach Bryan
This is a landmark move reflecting the evolution of the music industry and MTV’s commitment to celebrating music beyond traditional gender divides.
đź“… When & Where to Watch
The 2025 MTV VMAs will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, broadcasting live from the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York.
đź“ş Streaming & Broadcast:
- Live on CBS
- Simulcast on MTV
- Streaming on Paramount+ (U.S. only)
🗳️ How to Vote for Your Favorite Artists
Fan voting is now open at vote.mtv.com and will remain live until September 5 at 6 p.m. ET.
You can vote in 19 categories, including:
- Video of the Year
- Artist of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Best Pop Artist
- Best New Artist (remains open until the night of the show)
Fans can also earn bonus votes during Power Hours and by interacting on Instagram posts using the hashtag #VMAs.
đź”® Predictions & Fan Reactions
- Lady Gaga is widely expected to take home multiple awards, including Artist and Video of the Year
- Bruno Mars, with 11 nominations, could easily sweep technical and collaboration awards
- Fans are heavily rooting for Rosé, whose solo breakout has earned her global acclaim
- Sabrina Carpenter’s edgy pop track “Manchild” has been a social media favorite, making her a serious contender for Song and Video of the Year
Nominee Snapshot
| Artist | Nominations | Notable Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Gaga | 12 | Video, Artist, Album, Pop, Technical |
| Bruno Mars | 11 | Collaborations, Direction, Pop |
| Kendrick Lamar | 10 | Hip-hop, Visual, Direction |
| Rosé & Carpenter | 8 each | Video, Artist, New Artist, Pop |
| Ariana & The Weeknd | 7 each | Pop Artist, Video, Collaboration |
| Billie Eilish | 6 | Video, Song, Cinematography |
| Charli XCX | 5 | Editing, Pop, New Artist |
🎉 Final Thoughts
The MTV VMAs 2025 promise to be a cultural event like no other—one where pop icons, innovative visuals, and global voices share one stage. With fan voting in full swing, it’s time to make your voice heard and support your favorite stars.
đź’¬ Who are you rooting for this year? Drop your picks in the comments below!
📅 Don’t forget to tune in on September 7 for the most iconic night in music television.
