Just when we thought the 2025 MTV VMAs couldn’t get any bigger, MTV said, “hold my Moon Person.” Today (September 7), the network revealed an all-star lineup of presenters, pre-show performers, and Extended Play Stage debuts — and it’s safe to say, the UBS Arena in New York is about to be the epicenter of music, pop culture, and pure chaos.
Hosted by LL COOL J, the 2025 MTV VMAs air LIVE coast-to-coast on Sunday, September 7 at 8PM ET/5PM PTon CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streaming on Paramount+. But first, let’s break down everything you need to know ahead of the big night.
The presenter lineup is giving major star power. Expect appearances from Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Latto, Jessica Simpson, Livvy Dunne, Paris Hilton, Nikki Glaser, Megan Stalter, Malin Akerman, and rising powerhouse trio Huntr/x (EJAE, REI AMI & Audrey Nuna). That’s fashion, funny, and fierce all rolled into one.
The VMAs Pre-Show, airing Sunday at 7PM ET/4PM PT across MTV, BET, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and more, will set the tone for the night. Hosting duties go to Nessa and Kevan Kenney, with a can’t-miss performance by KATSEYE, the global girl group making their VMAs debut. They’ll light up the stage with “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” from their Beautiful Chaos EP, which landed them a Billboard 200 Top 5 spot. Oh, and they’re up for MTV PUSH Performance of the Year and Best Group — talk about a debut flex.
View this post on Instagram
For the first time ever, the Extended Play Stage is sliding into the main broadcast, spotlighting three first-time nominees you need on your radar:
-
Bailey Zimmerman ft. The Kid LAROI – Bailey is bringing the country heat with his VMA debut, while The Kid LAROI joins him for their collab, making his first official VMA performance, too.
-
Lola Young – The UK’s rising pop-soul star is performing her hit “Messy” and vying for both Best New Artist and Best Alternative.
-
Megan Moroney – Nashville’s it-girl is celebrating her first VMAs with “6 Months Later” and competing in the inaugural Best Country category.
This year’s VMAs are serving one of the most diverse lineups in history. On the main stage, fans can expect to see Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin ft. DJ Snake, Ricky Martin (making history as the first-ever Latin Icon Award recipient and celebrating 26 years since his unforgettable 1999 VMAs debut), Sabrina Carpenter, sombr, Conan Gray, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Post Malone and Tate McRae.
And the night’s crown jewel? Mariah Carey, receiving the Video Vanguard Award and delivering a career-spanning medley that will undoubtedly go down in VMA history.
View this post on Instagram
Don’t forget, fan voting for the Best Group and Song of the Summer categories is happening exclusively on MTV’s Instagram Stories. Expect bracket-style battles between everyone from BLACKPINK to Backstreet Boys, and a one-round face-off for Song of the Summer featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Addison Rae, Morgan Wallen x Tate McRae, and more. Voting wraps just hours before the live show, so the chaos will be fresh.
Kicking things off on September 1, MTV is launching a week-long takeover across MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic, and Pluto TV with 24/7 music videos. We’re talking 700+ clips (some unseen in decades), themed blocks, and cameos from icons like Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Paris Hilton, Pauly D, and Wyclef Jean. Basically, it’s the perfect warm-up for Sunday night’s main event.
Between a star-studded presenter squad, boundary-pushing performances, fan-driven social categories, and legendary honors for Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Busta Rhymes, the 2025 MTV VMAs are shaping up to be one of the most unmissable nights in music history.
