The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, a true celebration of music, are underway at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Dubbed the “Super Bowl for youth” by many, this year’s VMAs mark a broadcast first, airing live on CBS alongside its traditional broadcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+. The event honors the most impactful music videos and songs of the year, solidifying its place as a crucial cultural touchstone for the music industry.
A Star-Studded Affair
The 2025 VMAs boast a lineup of iconic and emerging artists. Hosted by LL Cool J, the ceremony features performances from Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, and more. According to MTV, this year’s event includes a special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, featuring Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt. The pre-show includes a performance by Katseye, while the Extended Play Stage showcases Bailey Zimmerman featuring The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney, ensuring a diverse range of musical styles are represented.
Honoring Music Legends
This year, the VMAs recognize the contributions of three music legends. Mariah Carey will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, Busta Rhymes will be honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin will be presented with the Latin Icon Award. All three are also scheduled to perform, adding to the night’s excitement. “These awards celebrate not just past achievements, but ongoing impact,” notes a statement from the VMAs production team.
Nomination Leaders and Presenters
Lady Gaga leads the nominations with twelve nods, followed by Bruno Mars with eleven and Kendrick Lamar with ten. Sabrina Carpenter and ROSÉ are also heavily nominated, showcasing a range of talent across various genres. Presenters for the evening include Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Livvy Dunne, Malin Akerman, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton, and EJAE, REI AMI + Audrey Nuna from Huntr/x. According to official VMA press releases, the presenters were chosen to represent a diverse cross-section of the entertainment industry.
When and Where: The VMA Timeline
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The red carpet pre-show, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, started at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The main awards ceremony began at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The entire event is broadcasting live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, providing a vibrant backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
The Impact and Significance of the VMAs
The MTV Video Music Awards serve as a vital platform for celebrating innovation and artistry in music videos. This year, the VMAs introduced two new categories, Best Country and Best Pop Artist, awarded through fan votes, further expanding the show’s recognition of diverse musical genres. The eligibility period for this year’s awards covered music released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025.
Expanding Reach: A Historic Broadcast
The historic move to broadcast on CBS alongside MTV significantly broadens the VMAs’ reach, making the event accessible to a wider audience and solidifying its place as a major cultural event in the entertainment calendar. As stated by a CBS spokesperson, “Broadcasting the VMAs on CBS allows us to bring this iconic event to even more viewers.” The VMAs continue to be a night known for its unpredictable moments, groundbreaking performances, and memorable fashion, shaping pop culture narratives and highlighting both established superstars and emerging talents.
How to Watch: Live Stream and TV Schedule
Catch all the action live! Here’s how you can tune in to the 2025 MTV VMAs:
United States Viewers
- TV: The 2025 MTV VMAs are airing live on CBS and MTV.
- Live Streaming: Available for Paramount+ Premium subscribers. Paramount+ Essential subscribers can access the show on-demand starting Monday, September 8.
- Pre-Show: Simulcast across a wide array of networks, including MTV, BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, and VH1.
- Other Streaming Services: Live TV streaming services that carry CBS or MTV, such as DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV (Blue package with MTV), also offer access to the broadcast. Many of these services, including Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, offer free trials for new subscribers.
International Viewers
- Canada: Available on MTV in Canada at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, September 7, and can also be streamed on Paramount+.
- United Kingdom: MTV will televise the event on Monday, September 8, starting at 8 p.m. BST, with streaming expected on Paramount+.
- Australia: Viewers can watch the ceremony for free on the 10 website and app starting Monday, September 8, at 8:30 p.m. AEST.
Traveling?
For those traveling outside their home country, a VPN can be used to access usual streaming services. However, be sure to check the terms and conditions of your streaming service and VPN provider.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards promise to be an unforgettable night, celebrating the best in music and pop culture. With a star-studded lineup, historic broadcast, and expanded categories, the VMAs continue to solidify their place as a premier event in the entertainment world.
