MTV Video Music Awards are back: See who made the nominations list
MTV revealed the nominees for its annual Video Music Awards show, a poptastic spectacle that brings together the biggest artists of the year to celebrate the top songs and music videos chosen by fans. This year's ceremony will air live from New York's UBS Arena on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Pop icon Lady Gaga, who roared back to music this spring with her acclaimed album "Mayhem," leads the nominations with 12 nods, including video of the year, artist of the year and best album. Gaga's "Die with a Smile" collaborator Bruno Mars follows closely behind with 11 nominations.
Other top nominees include hip-hop juggernaut Kendrick Lamar, Blackpink singer Rosé, pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, "Wicked" star Ariana Grande, R&B crooner The Weeknd, alternative pop singer Billie Eilish and British pop star Charli XCX.
VMAs 2024 winners: Taylor Swift has a big night as Chappell Roan wins best new artist
Pop titan Taylor Swift, the most decorated solo artist in VMAs history, also nabbed a nomination for artist of the year, despite having not released a new music video this year. In 2024, Swift took home a slew of prizes including video of the year, artist of the year, best collaboration ("Fortnight" with Post Malone), best pop and best direction.
Last year's VMAs were filled with career milestones and knockout performances. Electropop songstress Chappell Roan was crowned best new artist and dominated the stage with a medieval-themed number set to her breakout hit "Good Luck, Babe!" Meanwhile, Carpenter won her first moon person for song of the year ("Espresso") and performed a cheeky medley number that saw her lock lips with an alien dancer.
Fans can vote in 19 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. ET. Voting for best new artist will remain active into the Sept. 7 ceremony. Nominations for social categories will be announced at a later date.
Here's a look at the nominations for the 2025 MTV VMAs:
Top moments from the 2024 VMAs: Taylor's big night and Sabrina Carpenter kissed an alien
Video of the year
Artist of the year
Song of the year
Best new artist
Best pop artist
MTV Push performance of the year
Best collaboration
Best pop
Best hip-hop
Best R&B
Best alternative
Best rock
Best Latin
Best Afrobeats
Best K-pop
Best country
Best album
Best long form video
Video for good
Best direction
Best cinematography
Best editing
Best choreography
Best visual effects
Best art direction
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
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