Music’s Biggest Night is nearly here, and the buzz is building for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, promising a night of unforgettable performances and star-studded appearances. With the theme of “Musical Star Power” resonating, the VMAs have unveiled a comprehensive list of performers and presenters set to grace the stage at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The announcements, made on September 2nd and 3rd, 2025, signal an event poised to celebrate the best in music videos and songs from the past year.
VMAs 2025: A Star-Studded Affair
The 2025 VMAs are shaping up to be a monumental event, broadcast on CBS in addition to MTV and Paramount+, expanding its reach to a broader audience. The impressive lineup of performers and presenters ensures a night filled with memorable moments and exciting surprises. According to Paramount Press Express, the show will air live on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, with a pre-show kicking off an hour earlier at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT.
The Host with the Most
Adding to the prestige of the evening, legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J will be taking on hosting duties. His charisma and experience are sure to keep the energy high throughout the night.
Performers Taking Center Stage
A diverse array of artists are slated to perform, representing a wide range of genres and styles. The lineup includes:
- Lady Gaga
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Doja Cat
- Jelly Roll
- Post Malone
- Tate McRae
- Alex Warren
- Conan Gray
- J Balvin featuring DJ Snake
- Sombr
Adding to the excitement, special honorees will also be taking to the stage. Mariah Carey, recipient of the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, will perform a career-spanning medley of her biggest hits. Ricky Martin, honored with the Latin Icon Award, and Busta Rhymes, receiving the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, will also deliver performances, promising unforgettable moments, according to People.com.
Extended Play Stage Lineup
The Extended Play Stage, presented by Doritos, will showcase rising talent, featuring performances by:
- Bailey Zimmerman featuring The Kid LAROI
- Lola Young
- Megan Moroney
Pre-Show Entertainment
Before the main event, global girl group KATSEYE will set the stage with a performance during the pre-show, ensuring a high-energy start to the evening.
Presenters: A Galaxy of Stars
The list of presenters is equally impressive, featuring pop royalty, actors, and beloved personalities. The presenters include:
- Jessica Simpson
- Ashlee Simpson Ross
- Ciara
- Drew Barrymore
- Ice Spice
- Latto
- Livvy Dunne
- Brittany Snow
- Malin Akerman
- Meg Stalter
- Nikki Glaser
- Paris Hilton
- EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters”
Behind the Scenes: Planning and Impact
Building Anticipation
The unveiling of the performers and presenters is a crucial step in building anticipation for the VMAs. According to MTV.com, the announcements generate public interest and highlight the talent being celebrated. The diverse lineup, featuring both established superstars and rising talents, creates buzz across social media and entertainment news outlets.
Celebrating Musical Achievements
The VMAs aim to honor the best music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025. The inclusion of new categories, Best Country and Best Pop Artist, expands the scope of recognition and celebrates a broader spectrum of musical talent, as noted by Yahoo (originally Parade.com).
Venue and Broadcast Details
The 2025 VMAs will be held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, marking the second consecutive year the event has been hosted at this venue. The decision to broadcast the ceremony on CBS, in addition to MTV and Paramount+, is expected to significantly expand its reach and audience.
Musical Star Power: A Night to Remember
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are poised to be a spectacular celebration of music and culture. With a star-studded lineup of performers and presenters, coupled with special honorees and new award categories, the event promises to deliver unforgettable moments. The broadcast on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+ ensures that fans around the world can join in the excitement and witness the crowning of the year’s best music videos and songs. The early reveal of talent allows fans to anticipate specific performances and celebrity appearances, solidifying the VMAs’ reputation as a must-watch event in the music industry.