2025 MTV Video Music Awards Nominations: Lady Gaga Leads the Pack
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are just around the corner, set to air live on Sunday, September 7, from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This year’s nominations have stirred excitement and controversy alike, with Lady Gaga leading the charge. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the nominees, new categories, and the buzz surrounding this year's awards.
Leading Nominees and Noteworthy Categories
Most Nominations
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Lady Gaga: 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Die With a Smile.”
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Bruno Mars: 11 nominations, notably for his collaboration with Lady Gaga.
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Kendrick Lamar: 10 nominations, with standout tracks like “Not Like Us” and “Luther.”
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Rosé: 8 nominations, making history as the most-nominated K-pop soloist in VMA history.
New Categories
This year introduces two new categories:
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Best Pop Artist
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Best Country
These additions reflect the evolving musical landscape and the VMAs' commitment to inclusivity.
Full List of 2025 VMA Nominees
| Category | Nominees (Top Picks) |
|---|---|
| Video of the Year | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile” Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead” |
| Artist of the Year | Lady Gaga Kendrick Lamar Beyoncé |
| Song of the Year | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile” Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather” Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire” |
| Best New Artist | Alex Warren Ella Langley Gigi Perez |
| Best Pop Artist | Ariana Grande Charli XCX Tate McRae |
| Best Hip-Hop | Doechii – “Anxiety” Drake – “Nokia” Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” |
| Best R&B | Chris Brown – “Residuals” Summer Walker – “Heart of a Woman” The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless” |
| Best Rock | Coldplay – “All My Love” Green Day – “One Eyed Bastard” |
| Best Latin | Bad Bunny – “Baile Inolvidable” J Balvin – “Rio” Karol G – “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” |
Fan Voting and Show Details
Fan voting is now open for 19 gender-neutral categories via and will close on September 5 at 6 p.m. ET, except for Best New Artist, which remains open until the live show.
The 2025 VMAs will be broadcast live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+ in the U.S., marking the first time the awards show airs on CBS.
Controversies and Discussions
K-Pop Snubs
The exclusion of BTS members Jin and J-Hope from the nominations has sparked significant debate among fans. Despite their successful solo releases, only Jimin received a nomination, leading to accusations of favoritism and a lack of transparency in the nomination process.
Cultural Representation
Ed Sheeran's “Sapphire,” featuring uncredited vocals by Arijit Singh and visuals inspired by Indian aesthetics, has been lauded for bridging global pop and Indian sensibilities. Its recognition in top-tier VMA categories underscores the growing appreciation for diverse cultural influences in mainstream music.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards promise to be a landmark event, celebrating a diverse array of artists and musical genres. With new categories, a star-studded lineup, and the inclusion of global influences, this year's VMAs reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of the music industry.
