Lady Gaga leads the pack with a whopping 12 nominations for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, making her the frontrunner for the coveted trophies. Following closely behind are Bruno Mars with 11 nods and Kendrick Lamar with 10. Other notable artists with multiple nominations include Sabrina Carpenter, Rose, Ariana Grande, and the Weeknd.
The star-studded event is set to air live on CBS on September 7, marking the first time the VMAs will be broadcast on the network in prime time. In addition to CBS, the show will also be simulcast on MTV and available for streaming on Paramount+ for viewers in the U.S.
Lady Gaga’s nominations are divided between her collaboration with Bruno Mars on “Die With a Smile” and her album “Mayhem,” particularly the track “Abracadabra.” This marks the third time Gaga has been the leading contender at the VMAs, having previously dominated in 2010 and 2020.
New categories have been introduced this year, including Best Country and Best Pop Artist, expanding the scope of recognition for artists across different genres. Fan voting is now open for 19 gender-neutral categories, with polls closing on September 5.
Notable first-time nominees include Alex Warren, Role Model, Sombr, Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, and members of Blackpink venturing into solo territory. The show will be produced by Gunpowder & Sky CEO Van Toffler, with executive producers Bruce Gillmer, Barb Bialkowski, and Jesse Ignjatovic at the helm.
The full list of nominees spans various categories, from Video of the Year to Best Visual Effects, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity in the music industry. With an exciting lineup of artists and performances, the 2025 MTV VMAs promise to be a night to remember for music fans worldwide.