Lady Gaga dominates VMA 2025 with 12 nominations, followed by Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar. The awards, set for September 7 at USB Arena, New York, celebrate the best in music and videos, broadcast live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Gaga competes in categories like Video of the Year and Artist of the Year, driven by hits like “Abracadabra” and her collaboration “Die with a Smile” with Bruno Mars. The nominee list reflects 2025’s musical diversity, featuring Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Weeknd. The event promises electrifying performances and memorable moments for fans.
The nominee list was announced on August 5, sparking widespread reactions among fans and critics. Gaga’s dominance at the VMA underscores her industry relevance, while new talents vie for recognition. The awards highlight innovation in visuals and sound.
- Key categories: Gaga leads in Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best Album.
- Standout artists: Bruno Mars (11 nominations), Kendrick Lamar (10), and Sabrina Carpenter (8).
- Newcomers: Artists like Rosé and The Marías bring fresh energy to the competition.
Lady Gaga’s dominance at the VMA
Lady Gaga solidifies her status as the top favorite for the VMA 2025, competing in 12 categories, including the coveted Video of the Year and Artist of the Year. Her nomination for “Abracadabra” reflects the song’s impact, blending eccentric pop with bold visuals, a hallmark of the artist. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars on “Die with a Smile” also stands out, uniting two music giants in a track that mixes nostalgia and innovation. Gaga’s VMA strength reinforces her reinvention, keeping her at the forefront after over a decade in the industry.
Her album “Mayhem” is another highlight, nominated for Best Album, competing with heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet.” Gaga’s versatility, spanning pop, electronic, and ballads, secures her presence in technical categories like Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects. Her cultural influence remains unshakable, with fans celebrating her consistent delivery of striking productions.
- “Abracadabra”: Nominated for Video of the Year, Best Choreography, and Best Visual Effects.
- Bruno Mars collaboration: “Die with a Smile” competes for Best Collaboration and Best Pop.
- Album impact: “Mayhem” is praised for its visual and sonic narrative.
Rise of Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars emerges as a strong contender with 11 nominations, boosted by collaborations like “Die with a Smile” with Gaga and “Apt.” with Rosé. His ability to blend funk, pop, and R&B continues to captivate audiences and critics, with standout production in his videos. Kendrick Lamar, with 10 nominations, reinforces his hip-hop relevance with “Not Like Us,” a track combining social critique with engaging beats, competing in categories like Best Hip-Hop and Video of the Year.
Both artists bring unique approaches, with Mars leaning on pop collaborations and Lamar maintaining sharp rap storytelling. Their competition with Gaga promises to be a highlight, representing diverse musical styles in 2025. Mars’ presence in Best Collaboration and Lamar’s in Best Direction highlight the variety of talents this year.
Emerging talents in the spotlight
The VMA 2025 list also showcases new names, like Alex Warren, nominated for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with “Ordinary.” Other newcomers, such as Ella Langley and Gigi Perez, compete for Best New Artist, signaling a refresh in the music scene. Sabrina Carpenter, with 8 nominations, solidifies her place with “Manchild,” contending for Video of the Year and Best Pop, while Rosé of BLACKPINK shines with “Apt.” alongside Bruno Mars.
The MTV Push category, highlighting monthly performances, features names like Shaboozey with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Katseye with “Touch.” These artists represent the new generation, bringing diversity from country to K-pop. The VMA reflects the plurality of contemporary music, connecting veterans and newcomers in a global celebration.
- New artists: Alex Warren, Ella Langley, and Gigi Perez vie for the newcomer award.
- Pop highlights: Sabrina Carpenter and Rosé compete in major categories.
- Musical variety: From Shaboozey’s country to Katseye’s K-pop, the VMA embraces diversity.
Technical and visual categories
The VMA 2025 technical categories highlight video innovation, focusing on choreography, direction, and special effects. Gaga’s “Abracadabra” leads in Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects, thanks to its grandiose production blending gothic and futuristic elements. Kendrick Lamar also shines in Best Direction with “Not Like Us,” impressing with its impactful visual storytelling.
Other contenders, like Charli XCX with “Guess” (featuring Billie Eilish) and Ariana Grande with “Brighter Days Ahead,” showcase the strength of pop visuals. The Best Visual Effects category includes Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching” and The Weeknd’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” highlighting investment in videos as art. These categories emphasize the role of aesthetics in music’s cultural impact.
- Standout choreography: “Abracadabra” and “Not Like Us” lead the technical category.
- Visual effects: Gaga, The Weeknd, and Ariana Grande compete for innovation.
- Direction: Kendrick Lamar and Charli XCX deliver striking visual narratives.
Expectations for the awards
The VMA 2025, set for September 7 at USB Arena, New York, promises to be a milestone in the awards season. Broadcast live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+, the event is expected to draw millions of viewers eager for live performances and iconic moments. Gaga, Mars, and Lamar’s top nominations suggest spectacular shows, while new artists may surprise with live acts.
The awards also carry cultural weight, with categories like Best Latin, featuring Bad Bunny and Shakira, and Best K-Pop, with Jennie and Stray Kids. The diversity of genres and inclusion of artists from varied backgrounds reinforce the VMA’s role as a reflection of global music. Fans are already speculating about potential stage collaborations, heightening anticipation.
- Date and venue: September 7, USB Arena, New York, with global broadcast.
- Expected performances: Gaga, Mars, and Lamar are set to lead the live shows.
- Global impact: Best Latin and K-Pop categories enhance representation.
Fan and critic reactions
The nominee announcement sparked significant buzz on social media, with fans celebrating their favorite artists. Gaga’s lead was widely discussed, with many praising her awards consistency. New names like Alex Warren and Katseye also excited audiences, who see the VMA as a platform for discovering emerging talent.
Music critics lauded the list’s diversity, spanning Kendrick Lamar’s hip-hop to Sabrina Carpenter’s pop and Rosé’s K-pop. The absence of Brazilian artists in Best Latin, however, sparked debates among local fans hoping for greater representation. Still, the VMA 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of today’s music.
- Social media buzz: Gaga and Carpenter fans dominate online discussions.
- Critical praise: Diversity of genres and inclusion of new talent earn acclaim.
- Local debate: Lack of Brazilian artists in Best Latin sparks comments.
