The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are shaping up to be one of the most competitive and star-studded editions yet, with a strong mix of global superstars, rising icons, and unforgettable collaborations.
Leading the nominations is none other than Lady Gaga, who tops this year’s nominations with an impressive 12 nods, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year.
Gaga’s duet “Die with a Smile” with Bruno Mars has proven to be a runaway hit, earning nominations in both major music and visual categories. That’s not all, the track is also up for Song of the Year and Video of the Year.
Not far behind is rapper Kendrick Lamar, scoring 10 nominations, including a spot among the Artist of the Year contenders and Video of the Year for his “Not Like Us.”
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter makes a major leap this year, collecting 8 nominations, thanks to her viral hit “Manchild,” which lands a Video of the Year nod.
Ariana Grande, never far from VMAs buzz, also has reason to celebrate. With 7 nominations, including Video of the Year for the uplifting track “Brighter Days Ahead,” Grande’s latest era has struck a chord with fans around the globe.
The prestigious Artist of the Year category features a wide range of talent, with Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd all vying for the top honor.
Song of the Year is just as loaded, with ballads like Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” and Gracie Abrams’ “I Love You, I’m Sorry” competing alongside edgy entries like Doechii’s “Anxiety” and The Weeknd & Playboi Carti’s “Timeless.”
With that being said, the VMAs is set for a great night. Will Lady Gaga dominate the night? Can newcomers like Alex Warren or Doechii pull off an upset? Well, only time will tell.