Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and more lead 2025 MTV VMAs nominations
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and more headline VMAs nominations
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting and talked-about events in music this year. With a dazzling lineup of nominees and intense competition across genres, fans everywhere are buzzing about who will take home the coveted moonperson trophies. Leading the pack is Lady Gaga, who racked up an impressive 12 nominations, making her the top contender this year. Close behind is Bruno Mars with 11 nods, and then Kendrick Lamar, who tops the hip-hop category with 10 nominations.
This year’s VMAs celebrate a diverse group of artists spanning pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, country, Latin, and even K-pop, reflecting the broad spectrum of today’s music scene. The event promises to be a mix of breathtaking performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and groundbreaking music videos.
Why These Nominations Matter to Music Fans
The VMAs have long been a barometer for both industry respect and fan enthusiasm. They don’t just honor popular songs but celebrate the artistry behind music videos — from direction and choreography to cinematography and editing. This makes the VMAs a unique platform that rewards creativity on multiple levels.
Fans get a powerful voice through voting. Voting opens weeks before the ceremony and runs until early September, giving fans the chance to support their favorite artists daily. This means every vote counts, and fan engagement can directly impact who wins in many categories.
The 2025 VMAs will be broadcast live nationwide on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streamed on Paramount+. The event takes place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. It’s set to be a star-studded evening, with a pre-show starting an hour earlier to build anticipation.
Kendrick Lamar: Hip-Hop’s Heavyweight Contender
Kendrick Lamar’s 10 nominations are a testament to his continued dominance in hip-hop and his skill as a storyteller and visual artist. His work this year centers on the explosive track “Not Like Us”, which emerged as the climax of a high-profile 2024 feud with Drake.
Here’s a breakdown of Lamar’s nominations:
- Artist of the Year
- Video of the Year (“Not Like Us”)
- Best Album (GNX)
- Best Hip-Hop (“Not Like Us”)
- Best Collaboration (with SZA on “Luther”)
- Best Cinematography (“Not Like Us”)
- Best Choreography (“Not Like Us”)
- Best Direction (“Not Like Us”)
- Best Art Direction (“Not Like Us”)
- Best Editing (“Not Like Us”)
The fact that “Not Like Us” is the centerpiece of six nominations highlights how the song transcended just audio—it’s a complete artistic package that blends powerful lyrics with striking visuals and choreography.
Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has already won five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Rap Performance. His Super Bowl LIX halftime performance of the track cemented its cultural impact, making Lamar one of the defining voices of 2025.
Interestingly, Lamar’s main competitor in the Best Hip-Hop category is none other than Drake himself, whose track “Nokia” is also nominated. This adds an exciting edge to the VMAs, as fans await to see who will come out on top.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars: Pop Powerhouses Lead the Pack
Lady Gaga, the reigning queen of reinvention, leads the nominations with 12 nods, showcasing her continued relevance and influence. Her album Mayhem and its accompanying videos have captivated critics and fans alike, pushing her to the forefront in categories like Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and several technical awards such as Best Direction and Best Editing.
Bruno Mars isn’t far behind with 11 nominations. Known for his electrifying stage presence and timeless sound, Mars earns praise for hits like “Die With A Smile” (a collaboration with Gaga) and “APT.” with ROSÉ. His mix of pop, funk, and R&B keeps him a perennial favorite on the VMA stage.
Rising Stars and K-Pop Domination
The 2025 VMAs continue to highlight rising talent, with Sabrina Carpenter and ROSÉ each scoring eight nominations. Carpenter’s “Manchild” showcases her growth as both a singer and performer, gaining recognition across pop and technical categories. ROSÉ makes history as one of the first K-pop soloists to receive this many nods, signaling the genre’s expanding influence on the global music scene.
In fact, K-pop’s presence is stronger than ever. Members of BLACKPINK, including Jennie, Jisoo, Jimin, and Lisa, all earned nominations. However, BTS members Jin and J-Hope were notably absent, sparking fan discussions about nomination transparency. This spotlight on K-pop illustrates how the VMAs are evolving to reflect worldwide music trends.
New Categories and Fresh Faces
MTV introduced two new fan-voted categories this year: Best Pop Artist and Best Country. This opens up more opportunities for artists to engage directly with their fanbases.
Additionally, 33 artists received their first-ever VMA nominations in 2025. Among these are some beloved names like Mac Miller (posthumously), and breakout stars such as Alex Warren and Gigi Perez. This influx of fresh faces promises exciting new competition and performances during the show.
The Importance of Technical Awards
While the spotlight often shines on the biggest stars, the VMAs also honor the technical masterminds who bring music videos to life. Awards for Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Art Direction highlight the visual storytelling that makes music videos such a powerful medium.
Kendrick Lamar’s multiple nominations in these categories for “Not Like Us” demonstrate the value of innovative direction and visual creativity in music today.
Behind the Scenes: The Grand National Tour
While Kendrick Lamar is busy collecting nominations, he’s also on the road with SZA on the highly successful Grand National Tour. Starting April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, the tour has already thrilled fans across North America and is now moving through Europe.
Interestingly, when the tour reaches Australia later this year, Kendrick will be joined by longtime collaborator ScHoolboy Q instead of SZA due to scheduling conflicts. Fans of the Black Hippy collective will appreciate this switch, as both Kendrick and ScHoolboy Q have shared a deep musical history.
The tour has been a massive success, drawing huge crowds and further fueling excitement ahead of the VMAs.
What to Expect on September 7, 2025
The 2025 VMAs promise an unforgettable night filled with electrifying performances, dramatic award moments, and historic wins. Lady Gaga could rewrite VMA history by adding to her already impressive tally of moonpersons, while Kendrick Lamar looks to cement his legacy as one of hip-hop’s greats.
Fan voting remains crucial, with many categories decided by viewer ballots. This means that fans still have a chance to influence outcomes in the final days leading to the ceremony.
The show’s broad broadcast across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+ ensures fans won’t miss a moment, whether they watch on traditional TV or stream online.
Evergreen Tips for VMA Fans
- Vote daily: Fan voting closes on September 5, but voting windows during specific hours offer increased power, so check voting schedules closely.
- Engage on social media: Behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and live reactions are plentiful during the VMAs.
- Don’t overlook technical awards: They celebrate creativity that shapes music culture.
- Watch the pre-show: It often features surprise guests, interviews, and performances that add to the event’s excitement.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are more than just an awards show — they are a celebration of innovation, cultural moments, and global music trends. With powerhouse performances, fierce competition, and groundbreaking videos, this year’s VMAs are poised to deliver unforgettable moments.
For fans of Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and many others, the VMAs offer a chance to see artistry honored on the biggest stage, while also shaping music’s future through fan participation.
Mark your calendars for September 7, 2025, and get ready to experience music history in the making.