Everything to know about the 2025 awards show

The MTV VMAs have announced their host. This year, LL Cool J, who’s also one of the evening’s nominees, will take on the role of host for the first time, at least solo. In 2022, he served as co-host alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. LL Cool J is also a repeated winner, taking his first Moon Person in 1991 and becoming the first rapper to take the Video Vanguard Award in 1997. 

This year’s show is packed with the biggest names in music across genres, including hip-hop, rock, Latin, K-pop, and more. It will hand out awards for categories like Video of the Year, Song of the Year, and more. Here’s all you should know about this year’s MTV VMAs: 

Who are the nominees and favorites? 

This year’s nominations are led by Lady Gaga, with 12 nominations for her record “Mayhem,” followed by Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. Other notable nominees include Lorde, Bad Bunny, The Marias, Justin Bieber, J Balvin, Karol G, Shakira, Rauw Alejandro, and more. 

Beyonce and Taylor Swift are facing off once more as the two compete for the most ever VMAs wins, with both nominated for artist of the year. 

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LL Cool J is nominated for his single “Murdergram Deux,” featuring Eminem. You can check out a full list of nominees here. 

When are the 2025 VMAs? 

This year’s VMAs are on September 7 and will be hosted in New York’s UBS Arena. The show will kick off at 8PM ET.

© Getty

How do I watch them?

For the first time ever, the show will simulcast on CBS and MTV, granting it a wider audience. Last year’s show had 66 million interactions, breaking the record of most interactions in VMA history. Premium subscribers of Paramount+ will also have access to the show. Performers and presenters will be released in the coming weeks.

Fans and viewers can vote for their favorite artists on MTV’s website. Voting will continue until September 5th. Some categories will remain open so fans can vote during the show, including Song of the Year, Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best New Artist.

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