MTV reveals first batch of VMAs 2025 performers: What to know about Video Music Awards

Star power may be a given at the VMAs, but music royalty is coming out in full force this year.

As MTV’s 2025 Video Music Awards quickly approach, the TV channel and music video pioneer is sharing new details from the jam-packed ceremony, which celebrates the top songs and music videos voted on by fans.

This comes after VMA nominations were announced on Aug. 5. Pop icon Lady Gaga leads the nominations with 12 nods, including video of the year, artist of the year and best album, while her “Die with a Smile” collaborator, Bruno Mars, follows closely behind with 11 nominations.

While it’s unclear if Gaga, who is currently on the road with her Mayhem Ball tour, will make a special appearance at the show, MTV has begun unveiling its lineup of performances.

Additionally, the ceremony’s coveted awards, which include video of the year, artist of the year and song of the year, are being expanded with new career achievement prizes.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 MTV VMAs.

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Who is performing at the 2025 MTV VMAs?

On Monday, Aug. 18, MTV announced the first batch of performers for the 2025 VMAs.

Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, who performed at last year’s ceremony and won her first moon person for song of the year, is slated to take the stage again.

Other A-list acts filling the marquee alongside Carpenter include: Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin, hip-hop heavyweight Busta Rhymes, Latin pop star J Balvin with DJ Snake and alternative pop newcomers Alex Warren and Sombr.

Ricky Martin to receive inaugural Latin Icon Award

Martin, who made his VMAs debut in 1999, will receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award during the ceremony, in celebration of the singer’s historic contributions to the genre.

The “Livin’ la Vida Loca” singer, who rose to prominence as a member of the boy band Menudo, has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and is credited with spearheading the Latin pop explosion of the late ’90s alongside Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Marc Anthony and Enrique Iglesias.

At the 1999 MTV VMAs, Martin made history as the first male Latin artist to win the best pop video award. He was also the top winner of the ceremony with five awards.

Busta Rhymes to be honored with new Rock the Bells Visionary Award

Busta Rhymes is set to get his flowers with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, an honor that pays tribute to the hip-hop icon’s decadeslong career and “boundary-breaking cultural impact.”

The acclaimed rapper, born Trevor George Smith Jr., got his musical start as a member of the rap group Leaders of the New School. Rhymes later launched his solo career with 1996’s “The Coming” and became one of hip-hop’s leading figures. He has sold 20 million albums worldwide to date.

At the 2021 MTV VMAs, Rhymes delivered a medley of his greatest hits alongside fellow rapper Spliff Star.

When are the 2025 MTV VMAs?

The 2025 MTV VMAs are set to take place on Sept. 7.

Who is hosting the 2025 MTV VMAs?

Actor and hip-hop icon LL Cool J has been tapped to host the 2025 MTV VMAs.

The Grammy-winning rapper previously hosted the VMAs in 2022, cohosting with fellow emcees Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.

Where can I watch the 2025 MTV VMAs?

The 2025 MTV VMAs will air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV. The awards show will also be available to stream the same day on Paramount+ for U.S. viewers with a premium plan subscription.

How to vote for 2025 MTV VMAs?

Fans can vote in 19 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. ET.

Voting for the best new artist category will remain active until the Sept. 7 ceremony. Nominations for social categories will be announced at a later date.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MTV VMAs 2025: Performers, date, how to vote, how to watch