Kendrick Lamar, Girl Gaga and extra headline VMAs nominations
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are shaping as much as be one of the thrilling and talked-about occasions in music this yr. With a stunning lineup of nominees and intense competitors throughout genres, followers in all places are buzzing about who will take dwelling the coveted moonperson trophies. Main the pack is Girl Gaga, who racked up a powerful 12 nominations, making her the highest contender this yr. Shut behind is Bruno Mars with 11 nods, after which Kendrick Lamar, who tops the hip-hop class with 10 nominations.
This yr’s VMAs rejoice a various group of artists spanning pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, nation, Latin, and even Okay-pop, reflecting the broad spectrum of in the present day’s music scene. The occasion guarantees to be a mixture of breathtaking performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and groundbreaking music movies.
Why These Nominations Matter to Music Followers
The VMAs have lengthy been a barometer for each business respect and fan enthusiasm. They don’t simply honor in style songs however rejoice the artistry behind music movies — from course and choreography to cinematography and enhancing. This makes the VMAs a novel platform that rewards creativity on a number of ranges.
Followers get a robust voice by voting. Voting opens weeks earlier than the ceremony and runs till early September, giving followers the possibility to assist their favourite artists every day. This implies each vote counts, and fan engagement can straight influence who wins in lots of classes.
The 2025 VMAs can be broadcast reside nationwide on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streamed on Paramount+. The occasion takes place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, on the UBS Enviornment in Elmont, New York. It’s set to be a star-studded night, with a pre-show beginning an hour earlier to construct anticipation.
Kendrick Lamar: Hip-Hop’s Heavyweight Contender
Kendrick Lamar’s 10 nominations are a testomony to his continued dominance in hip-hop and his talent as a storyteller and visible artist. His work this yr facilities on the explosive monitor “Not Like Us”, which emerged because the climax of a high-profile 2024 feud with Drake.
Right here’s a breakdown of Lamar’s nominations:
- Artist of the 12 months
- Video of the 12 months (“Not Like Us”)
- Finest Album (GNX)
- Finest Hip-Hop (“Not Like Us”)
- Finest Collaboration (with SZA on “Luther”)
- Finest Cinematography (“Not Like Us”)
- Finest Choreography (“Not Like Us”)
- Finest Route (“Not Like Us”)
- Finest Artwork Route (“Not Like Us”)
- Finest Modifying (“Not Like Us”)
The truth that “Not Like Us” is the centerpiece of six nominations highlights how the tune transcended simply audio—it’s an entire inventive package deal that blends highly effective lyrics with hanging visuals and choreography.
Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has already received 5 Grammy Awards, together with Document of the 12 months and Finest Rap Efficiency. His Tremendous Bowl LIX halftime efficiency of the monitor cemented its cultural influence, making Lamar one of many defining voices of 2025.
Apparently, Lamar’s foremost competitor within the Finest Hip-Hop class is none aside from Drake himself, whose monitor “Nokia” can be nominated. This provides an thrilling edge to the VMAs, as followers await to see who will come out on prime.
Girl Gaga and Bruno Mars: Pop Powerhouses Lead the Pack
Girl Gaga, the reigning queen of reinvention, leads the nominations with 12 nods, showcasing her continued relevance and affect. Her album Mayhem and its accompanying movies have captivated critics and followers alike, pushing her to the forefront in classes like Artist of the 12 months, Video of the 12 months, and several other technical awards similar to Finest Route and Finest Modifying.
Bruno Mars isn’t far behind with 11 nominations. Recognized for his electrifying stage presence and timeless sound, Mars earns reward for hits like “Die With A Smile” (a collaboration with Gaga) and “APT.” with ROSÉ. His mixture of pop, funk, and R&B retains him a perennial favourite on the VMA stage.
Rising Stars and Okay-Pop Domination
The 2025 VMAs proceed to focus on rising expertise, with Sabrina Carpenter and ROSÉ every scoring eight nominations. Carpenter’s “Manchild” showcases her progress as each a singer and performer, gaining recognition throughout pop and technical classes. ROSÉ makes historical past as one of many first Okay-pop soloists to obtain this many nods, signaling the style’s increasing affect on the worldwide music scene.
The truth is, Okay-pop’s presence is stronger than ever. Members of BLACKPINK, together with Jennie, Jisoo, Jimin, and Lisa, all earned nominations. Nonetheless, BTS members Jin and J-Hope have been notably absent, sparking fan discussions about nomination transparency. This highlight on Okay-pop illustrates how the VMAs are evolving to replicate worldwide music tendencies.
New Classes and Recent Faces
MTV launched two new fan-voted classes this yr: Finest Pop Artist and Finest Nation. This opens up extra alternatives for artists to interact straight with their fanbases.
Moreover, 33 artists obtained their first-ever VMA nominations in 2025. Amongst these are some beloved names like Mac Miller (posthumously), and breakout stars similar to Alex Warren and Gigi Perez. This inflow of contemporary faces guarantees thrilling new competitors and performances through the present.
The Significance of Technical Awards
Whereas the highlight typically shines on the most important stars, the VMAs additionally honor the technical masterminds who carry music movies to life. Awards for Finest Route, Finest Cinematography, Finest Modifying, and Finest Artwork Route spotlight the visible storytelling that makes music movies such a robust medium.
Kendrick Lamar’s a number of nominations in these classes for “Not Like Us” exhibit the worth of progressive course and visible creativity in music in the present day.
Behind the Scenes: The Grand Nationwide Tour
Whereas Kendrick Lamar is busy amassing nominations, he’s additionally on the street with SZA on the extremely profitable Grand Nationwide Tour. Beginning April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, the tour has already thrilled followers throughout North America and is now shifting by Europe.
Apparently, when the tour reaches Australia later this yr, Kendrick can be joined by longtime collaborator ScHoolboy Q as a substitute of SZA resulting from scheduling conflicts. Followers of the Black Hippy collective will admire this swap, as each Kendrick and ScHoolboy Q have shared a deep musical historical past.
The tour has been a large success, drawing large crowds and additional fueling pleasure forward of the VMAs.
What to Anticipate on September 7, 2025
The 2025 VMAs promise an unforgettable evening crammed with electrifying performances, dramatic award moments, and historic wins. Girl Gaga may rewrite VMA historical past by including to her already spectacular tally of moonpersons, whereas Kendrick Lamar appears to cement his legacy as one in every of hip-hop’s greats.
Fan voting stays essential, with many classes determined by viewer ballots. Which means that followers nonetheless have an opportunity to affect outcomes within the ultimate days resulting in the ceremony.
The present’s broad broadcast throughout CBS, MTV, and Paramount+ ensures followers received’t miss a second, whether or not they watch on conventional TV or stream on-line.
Evergreen Ideas for VMA Followers
- Vote every day: Fan voting closes on September 5, however voting home windows throughout particular hours supply elevated energy, so verify voting schedules intently.
- Have interaction on social media: Behind-the-scenes content material, interviews, and reside reactions are plentiful through the VMAs.
- Don’t overlook technical awards: They rejoice creativity that shapes music tradition.
- Watch the pre-show: It typically options shock visitors, interviews, and performances that add to the occasion’s pleasure.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are extra than simply an awards present — they’re a celebration of innovation, cultural moments, and international music tendencies. With powerhouse performances, fierce competitors, and groundbreaking movies, this yr’s VMAs are poised to ship unforgettable moments.
For followers of Kendrick Lamar, Girl Gaga, Bruno Mars, and plenty of others, the VMAs supply an opportunity to see artistry honored on the most important stage, whereas additionally shaping music’s future by fan participation.
Mark your calendars for September 7, 2025, and prepare to expertise music historical past within the making.
