NEED TO KNOW
The 2025 MTV VMAs are shaping up to be a major show.
On Monday, Aug. 18, MTV unveiled the first group of performers set to take the stage at this year’s Video Music Awards as well as a few special honorees.
Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Sombr, Alex Warren, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake and Busta Rhymes will all deliver performances during the ceremony.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/j-balvin-081825-15d35d6fe1ef40a1855bba85634cea0e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/dj-snake-081825-b389b88b649d450abb03ff4c2bedb2fb.jpg)
Credit:
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty
Credit:
Kristy Sparow/Getty
MTV revealed Balvin’s performance will include “Zun Zun” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez — plus the live premiere of “Noventa” with DJ Snake.
Busta, 53, and Martin, 53, will receive special Moonperson trophies at the awards show. The “Look at Me Now” rapper will be honored with the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” artist will take home the Latin Icon Award.
The 2025 MTV VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, will feature more performers to be announced at a later date.
Bennett Raglin/Getty
Lady Gaga leads this year’s nominations with 12, followed by Bruno Mars with 11, Kendrick Lamar with 10, ROSÉ and Carpenter, 26, with eight each, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven each, Billie Eilish with six and Charli xcx with five.
Warren, 24, and Sombr, 20, are among this year’s first-time nominees alongside ROSÉ, Gigi Perez, Damiano David, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, The Marías, JENNIE, Jimin and JISOO.
This year marks the addition of two new categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Voting for most categories is open to fans on the VMAs website through Sept. 5, aside from Best New Artist, for which voting will remain active into the show.
Jason Kempin/Getty
Every day through Sept. 4, fans can also submit double the votes per category between 1 p.m. ET and 2 p.m. ET.
The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV. The ceremony will also stream on Paramount+.