2025 MTV VMA Nominations: Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar Lead
Prepare for style that’s out of this world.
As the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 kicked off on Sept. 7, the best and brightest stars in music descended upon the UBS Arena in New York wearing their boldest looks yet.
Doja Cat turned heads on the red carpet in a colorful diamond checkered mini dress featuring a plunging neckline adorned with pink sparkles by Balmain, while Bachelor Nation’s Gabby Windey left little to the imagination in a black lacy gown with jaw-dropping cutouts.
And with so many Moon Person trophies up for grabs, the competition heading into the LL Cool J-hosted award show—broadcasting for the first time on CBS and livestreaming on Paramount+ with a simulcast on MTV—was as fierce as the fashion.
Lady Gaga led the pack of nominees with a whopping 12 nods, including in the Artist of the Year category against Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and Morgan Wallen. Following closely behind the Mother Monster was her “Die With a Smile” collaborator Bruno Mars, who racked up 11 nominations ahead of the ceremony.
And Sabrina Carpenter was a busy woman, earning nine nods while BLACKPINK‘s Rosé was on her way with eight. (Click here to see the complete list of nominees.)
As for the much-coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award? Mariah Carey joined past recipients such as Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Pink, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna.
Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes was honored with the first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, with Ricky Martin receiving the inaugural Latin Icon Award.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
But those were just the stars up for a Moon Person. This year’s lineup of performers boasted tons of big names as well, including Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Tate McRae and Conan Gray. Of course, Mariah, Nusta and Ricky were also slated to perform a medley of hits celebrating their respective careers.
But before they hit the stage, read on to see all the stars on the red carpet.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Sabrina Carpenter
In custom Valentino.
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Ariana Grande
In custom Fendi and Swarovski jewelry.
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Jessica Simpson
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Doja Cat
In Balmain.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Ice Spice
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Paris Hilton
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
FKA twigs
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Conan Gray
In Erik Charlotte.
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
GloRilla
In Helen Anthony.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Lenny Kravitz
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Ciara
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Taylor Momsen
Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Alix Earle
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Tyla
LEONARDO MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images
Ricky Martin
Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images
Tate McRae
In custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Nicky Hilton
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Yungblud
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Ashlee Simpson
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Malin Akerman
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Brittany Snow
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Summer Walker
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Megan Moroney
Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Lauren Sorrentino
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Sexxy Red
Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV
Nikki Glaser
Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images
Ty Dolla $ign
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Latto
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Rebecca Black
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