The MTV Video Music Awards, a global spectacle renowned for its unforgettable live performances and cultural impact, has officially unveiled the initial roster of performers and honorees for its 2025 ceremony. Set to electrify New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7, at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, the event promises a dynamic convergence of pop culture’s most influential artists and groundbreaking music moments. Adding to the anticipation, hip-hop icon LL COOL J will take the stage as the solo host, guiding audiences through a night of celebration and unexpected news.
A Stellar Roster of First-Time and Returning Performers
The first wave of performers announced for the 2025 MTV VMAs brings together a diverse array of talent, signaling an exciting night for music enthusiasts. Among those confirmed to grace the VMA stage are rising sensation Alex Warren, the legendary Busta Rhymes, global superstar J Balvin featuring the electrifying DJ Snake, the iconic Ricky Martin, pop powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter, and breakout artist Sombr. This initial lineup showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, each poised to deliver memorable performances.
Alex Warren, a breakout singer-songwriter and a recent MTV Push artist, is set to make his highly anticipated VMAs debut. His performance will underscore his rapid ascent, fresh off the success of “Ordinary,” the top-selling song of 2025 in the U.S., which also earned him nominations for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year. Sabrina Carpenter, a formidable presence with eight nominations this year, including the coveted Video of the Year for “Manchild,” will make a much-anticipated return to the main stage following her viral debut and Song of the Year win in 2024. J Balvin, a 13-time VMA nominee, returns to the ceremony ready to add to his impressive collection of Moon Person trophies. He will perform his latest hit “Zun Zun,” alongside Latin stars Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, and will also deliver the live premiere of “Noventa,” his explosive collaboration with DJ Snake, marking DJ Snake’s first VMA appearance. Joining this esteemed group, Sombr, an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer, will make his award show debut, entering the night with nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative for his track “Back to Friends.” More major artists are expected to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event, further solidifying the VMAs’ reputation for showcasing top-tier music talent.
Celebrating Musical Legacies: New Iconic Awards Unveiled
Beyond the electrifying performances, the 2025 MTV VMAs will honor two major artists with inaugural special awards, recognizing their profound and lasting impact on the music landscape. Hip-hop luminary Busta Rhymes will be presented with the first-ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award. This new accolade celebrates his boundary-breaking cultural influence and a formidable musical career spanning over two decades, boasting 20 million albums sold worldwide, 12 Grammy nominations, and over 60 million certified records. Rhymes, who previously received the Global Icon Award at the 2024 MTV EMAs, has a rich history with the VMAs, delivering show-stealing moments since his first appearance in 1997.
Global icon Ricky Martin is set to make history as the first recipient of the Latin Icon Award. This recognition pays tribute to his remarkable four-decade career, which has been instrumental in launching Latin music and culture into the global mainstream. With over 70 million albums sold worldwide and more than 180 awards for his contributions to music, acting, and humanitarian work, Martin’s influence is undeniable. His appearance this year is particularly symbolic, marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking 1999 VMA performance, a moment that redefined Latin pop’s presence on the international stage.
LL COOL J Returns as Solo Host for Landmark Broadcast
Adding another layer of excitement, legendary rapper and actor LL COOL J will command the 2025 MTV VMAs as the sole host. This marks his first solo hosting gig for the prestigious awards show, following a successful co-hosting stint in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. A longtime champion of the VMAs, LL COOL J’s deep connection to the event is evident through his history, which includes a Moon Person win in 1991 and receiving the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. His return as host underscores his enduring legacy in music and entertainment. In a significant move for the broadcast, the 2025 MTV VMAs will air live coast-to-coast on the CBS Television Network for the very first time, in addition to its traditional simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. This expanded reach signifies a major step in bringing the iconic music event to an even broader audience.
Nominations Set the Stage for Fierce Competition
As the show approaches, the competition for the coveted Moon Person trophies is heating up. Lady Gaga leads the nominations with an impressive 12 nods, setting the stage for a potentially historic night for the artist. Close behind are Bruno Mars with 11 nominations and Kendrick Lamar with 10. Sabrina Carpenter and ROSÉ each secured eight nominations, while Ariana Grande and The Weeknd garnered seven apiece. This year also introduces two new categories, Best Country and Best Pop Artist, reflecting the evolving landscape of popular music genres. Fans have been actively participating, with voting open on the VMAs website until September 5, ensuring that audience engagement remains a core element of the awards.
Anticipation Builds for Music’s Grand Night
The initial announcements for the 2025 MTV VMAs have set a high bar, promising an evening filled with exhilarating performances, heartfelt tributes, and unexpected moments that define pop culture. From the diverse lineup of performers ready to showcase their latest music to the well-deserved recognition of musical pioneers, the excitement for this major industry event is palpable. As more news regarding additional performers and presenters is expected, the anticipation continues to build for what is sure to be one of the most talked-about nights in music this year.
