Lady Gaga has garnered significant attention by leading the nominations for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) with an impressive total of 12 nods. This achievement marks the third time the pop icon has topped the nominations list, a record that no other artist has achieved in the history of the VMAs. Following closely behind are Bruno Mars with 11 nominations and Kendrick Lamar with 10.
In a competitive field, pop sensations Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter are not far behind, each receiving eight nominations, including nods in major categories such as Best Pop and Artist of the Year. They are joined by other prominent artists, including Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, who both secured seven nominations.
The nominations list also features Billie Eilish with six, while Charli XCX earned five nominations, including Best Collaboration and Video of the Year. Several major artists, including Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus, and Tate McRae, each received four nominations.
New Categories and Key Contenders
This year introduces two new categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist. The competition for Artist of the Year is particularly fierce, with nominees including Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. Meanwhile, the Best New Artist category features Alex Warren, Ella Langley, Gigi Perez, Lola Young, Sombr, and The Marías.
The nominees for Best Album include notable entries such as Bad Bunny’s *Debí Tirar Más Fotos*, Kendrick Lamar’s *GNX*, Lady Gaga’s *Mayhem*, Morgan Wallen’s *I’m the Problem*, Sabrina Carpenter’s *Short n’ Sweet*, and The Weeknd’s *Hurry Up Tomorrow*.
The winners will be revealed during a glamorous ceremony on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in New York City. This event will be notable for being the first time CBS will simulcast the awards live alongside MTV, while Paramount+ will stream the show globally. Voting for the awards is currently open via MTV’s official website.
Complete List of Nominees
The nominees for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards include:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
– Ariana Grande – *Brighter Days Ahead*
– Billie Eilish – *Birds of a Feather*
– Kendrick Lamar – *Not Like Us*
– Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – *Die with a Smile*
– Rosé and Bruno Mars – *Apt*
– Sabrina Carpenter – *Manchild*
– The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – *Timeless*
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
– Bad Bunny
– Beyoncé
– Kendrick Lamar
– Lady Gaga
– Morgan Wallen
– Taylor Swift
– The Weeknd
SONG OF THE YEAR
– Alex Warren – *Ordinary*
– Billie Eilish – *Birds of a Feather*
– Doechii – *Anxiety*
– Ed Sheeran – *Sapphire*
– Gracie Abrams – *I Love You, I’m Sorry*
– Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – *Die with a Smile*
– Lorde – *What Was That*
– Rosé and Bruno Mars – *Apt*
– Tate McRae – *Sports Car*
– The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – *Timeless*
BEST NEW ARTIST
– Alex Warren
– Ella Langley
– Gigi Perez
– Lola Young
– Sombr
– The Marías
The full list includes numerous categories ranging from Best Hip-Hop to Best Latin, showcasing a diverse array of talent across the music industry. As the excitement builds, fans eagerly await the outcome of this year’s awards, highlighting the vibrant landscape of contemporary music.
