VMA Awards 2025 Nominees

Adam Brown
August 13, 2025

Overview of VMA Awards 2025 Nominees

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are scheduled for September 7, 2025, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This venue, just outside New York City, is a modern arena that opened in 2021 and has quickly become a top location for major music events. The VMAs returning here signals MTV’s intent to anchor the event in a premier, state-of-the-art venue.

This year’s broadcast will be more expansive than ever, airing live on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+, giving fans multiple ways to watch. The VMAs have grown from a cable event to a multi-platform experience, attracting a wider and more diverse audience. This year’s ceremony promises a blend of legendary performers, emerging artists, and boundary-pushing visuals, continuing MTV’s legacy of shaping music culture.

The 2025 VMAs feature a broad and competitive field of nominees. From pop icons making their big comeback to hip-hop artists redefining the game, the nominees reflect the current landscape of music. This article breaks down the nominees by category, highlights frontrunners, and explores key trends that will influence who takes home the awards.

Leading Nominees and Key Categories at VMA Awards 2025

At the forefront is Lady Gaga, with an impressive 12 nominations. Her return to music after a few years away has been marked by bold releases and artistic collaborations, especially her duet with Bruno Mars and the crossover appeal of K-pop star ROSÉ. Bruno Mars follows with 11 nominations, showcasing his continued influence in pop and R&B. Kendrick Lamar, a dominant force in hip-hop, earned 10 nods, proving his lasting impact.

Other multiple nominees include ROSÉ, known for her solo work beyond K-pop group BLACKPINK; Sabrina Carpenter, a rising pop star; Ariana Grande, a perennial favorite; and Billie Eilish, who continues to push creative boundaries. These artists represent a wide musical spectrum, reflecting a music industry increasingly defined by genre-blending and global influences.

Major Categories and Nominees

Video of the Year
This category is the crown jewel of the VMAs, spotlighting the most creative, impactful, and visually stunning music videos of the year. This year’s contenders feature a mix of genres and styles:

Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
Billie Eilish – “LUNCH”
Doja Cat – “Paint The Town Red”
Eminem – “Houdini”
SZA – “Snooze”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”

Each video stands out for storytelling, production quality, and cultural resonance. For example, Billie Eilish’s “LUNCH” continues her tradition of striking visuals and raw emotion, while Doja Cat’s “Paint The Town Red” mixes bold imagery with viral appeal.

Artist of the Year
This award honors overall impact, popularity, and artistry over the past year. Nominees include:

Ariana Grande
Bad Bunny
Eminem
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
Taylor Swift

These artists have dominated streaming platforms, sold out tours, and influenced pop culture, making this category one of the most fiercely contested.

Song of the Year
Recognizing standout singles that have defined the year’s soundtrack:

Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
Jack Harlow – “Lovin On Me”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”

These songs have not only topped charts but sparked conversation and showcased songwriting mastery.

Best New Artist
This category spotlights rising talent who have made significant waves:

Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Tyla

These artists represent the future of music, with diverse styles and strong fanbases emerging rapidly.

New Categories in 2025
Reflecting changes in the industry, two new categories have been added:

Best Country Artist
Best Pop Artist

These additions acknowledge the growing importance of genre-specific excellence and offer more tailored recognition to artists excelling in their styles.

Biggest Frontrunners at VMA Awards 2025

Lady Gaga clearly leads this year with 12 nominations. Her artistic vision and versatility have earned her nods in the most prestigious categories, from Video of the Year to Artist of the Year. Her collaboration “Die with a Smile” with Bruno Mars and ROSÉ combines star power with global appeal.

Bruno Mars’ 11 nominations position him as a formidable challenger, especially in categories tied to collaboration and production. Kendrick Lamar’s 10 nominations emphasize his influence in hip-hop and his consistent quality, reinforcing his place as a critical darling and fan favorite.

Artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, while not leading in total nods, remain strong contenders thanks to multiple category entries, showcasing their steady rise and relevance.

Fan Voting Details

Fan voting remains central to the VMAs’ appeal. Nineteen gender-neutral categories are open to public voting until September 5, with the Best New Artist category continuing through the live show. This interactive element keeps the awards connected to the audience, ensuring fans play a role in shaping results.

Votes can be cast at vote.mtv.com.

Final words on VMA Awards 2025 Nominees

The 2025 VMAs are shaping up to be a landmark event in music awards history. The lineup of nominees blends legacy artists staging comebacks with fresh talent disrupting the industry. Lady Gaga’s dominance in nominations underlines her renewed creative energy, while new categories and diverse nominees highlight the industry’s evolution.

Fans can expect an event filled with unforgettable performances, surprises, and moments that celebrate music’s power to inspire and connect. The VMAs continue to hold cultural significance, reflecting the voices and tastes of a dynamic global audience.