With 12 nominations, Lady Gaga dominates the 2025 VMAs and it’s not even close.
The MTV VMAs promise big names, crazy visuals, and wild surprises every year, but Lady Gaga didn’t just show up this year—she took over. 2025 could be remembered as the year of Gaga (again) with 12 nominations in some of the most important categories.
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Really, I had to confirm whether this was 2010 or 2025 when the nomination list was released. Not just in the places you might expect, Gaga is everywhere. You name it: Best Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Song of the Year, Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, etc. She’s even been nominated more than once in the same category. Crazy.
Gaga’s VMAs Reign: An Effective Visual Resurrection
The most notable? Her slow-burning, dramatic collaboration with Bruno Mars is definitely “Die with a Smile”. It is full of symbolism, dramatic, and gloom. Block out six minutes, turn off the lights, and press play if you haven’t already. You’ll succeed.
Then there’s “Abracadabra,” her solo project, which has received nominations in nearly every visual category for which it is eligible. It’s entirely Gaga, with elements of fever dream and performance art. It demonstrates that she is creating whole visual worlds in addition to releasing music.
However, Gaga’s storytelling is what really makes her stand out this year. Her videos are purposeful, cinematic, and incredibly strange (in the best way) in every frame. She creates trends rather than following them.
The Only People in Gaga’s Rearview Are Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars, with 11 nominations, is not far behind. He’s having a fantastic year, so it’s no coincidence. Bruno is displaying an insane range between “Die with a Smile” with Gaga and “Apt.” with BLACKPINK’s Rosé. One is a slowburning, gentle K-drama, while the other is all noir and doom.
Thanks to his stunning visuals in “Not Like Us” and his eerie collaboration with SZA, *”Luther,” Kendrick Lamar is right behind them with 10 nominations. This year is no different from previous years; Kendrick’s visuals are unvarnished, audacious, and politically incisive.
New Blood Is Surviving
However, this year is more than just a legacy act year. With six to eight nominations apiece, Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and The Weeknd are all in the running. The fact that Sabrina’s “Manchild” is a contender for Video of the Year is significant and well-earned.
It’s really exciting to see this blend of Gen Z pop and alternative energy competing with the big names, and Tate McRae, Doechii, and Alex Warren are also in the spotlight.
In 2025, there will also be a lot more diversity in genres: Afrobeats finally has its own spotlight, Latin artists like Bad Bunny are everywhere, and K-pop isn’t just in the fan vote categories anymore—it’s in the spotlight. I appreciate MTV catching up at last.
How, Where, and When to Watch
On Sunday, September 7, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, which is located just outside of New York City.
Additionally, they are broadcasting on CBS for the first time, in addition to MTV. You can watch it on CBS, MTV, or Paramount+, regardless of whether you’re a streamer or a traditional cable viewer. Get your snacks ready in advance because Paramount’s media networks will be broadcasting a live pre-show for an hour.
Although the host has not yet been announced, let’s face it, if Gaga is performing, that’s the only reason anyone is watching.
Worth Watching (also known as “Where the Drama Lives”)
Pay attention to these areas if you’re attempting to control your predictions:
- Video of the Year: Billie Eilish, Ariana, Kendrick Lamar, Gaga/Bruno, Rosé/Bruno
Artist of the Year: Gaga, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Kendrick, Bad Bunny, and Taylor Swift * Song of the Year: Gaga/Bruno once more, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, and The Weeknd
- Best New Artist: Lola Young, Gigi Perez, The Marías, and Alex Warren
Don’t be surprised if Gaga leaves with at least five trophies—and perhaps the night’s most GIF-worthy performance, to be exact.
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Concluding Remarks
The VMAs this year don’t seem like just another awards ceremony. They have the feel of a statement. Rewriting the rules and reminding everyone why she is one of the most decorated artists in VMA history is what Gaga does best.
The younger artists, who aren’t merely following along but are actively competing with the greats, are also bringing an exciting energy. Additionally, the 2025 VMAs may be the first in years that feels like it’s for everyone thanks to a more globally conscious nominee list.
Put your alarms on. Make sure your phones are charged. Gaga will arrive.
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