How to Watch the VMAs—and Everything Else to Know About the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

It’s time to gear up for one of the most chaotic awards shows of the year: The VMAs.

That’s right, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are scheduled to kick off in just a few hours, and it’s bound to be an eventful evening. How will Sabrina Carpenter top making out with an alien, and what kind of spectacle can we expect from Lady Gaga? Will Beyoncé or Taylor Swift break their VMAs tie by winning artist of the year? Only time will tell.

For now, here’s everything we do know about the evening, from performers to no-shows. Most importantly, we have all the details on when and how to watch the 2025 VMAs.

When and where are the 2025 VMAs?On September 7, the MTV Video Music Awards will air live from New York’s UBS Arena at 8 pm ET.

How to watch the 2025 VMAsWhile the MTV VMAs typically air on—you guessed it—MTV, you will also be able to watch on CBS or stream the festivities on Paramount+.

Who is hosting the 2025 VMAs?LL Cool J is hosting the VMAs for the second time, which will mark a full-circle moment. Back in 1997, LL Cool J was the first rapper to recieve the MTV Video Vanguard Award, which was presented to him by Mariah Carey. This year, Carey take home the prestigious award.

Who is performing at the 2025 VMAs?Aside from Carey, who is set to perform a medley of her hits, we will see a performance from this year’s most-nominated artist, Lady Gaga. Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, KATSEYE, Conan Gray, Tate McRae, and Lola Young will also grace the stage, among others.

Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes, who are two of the night’s big honorees, are also scheduled to perform. Martin will take home the Latin Icon Award, while Busta Rhymes will receive the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award.

Who is nominated at the 2025 VMAs?Lady Gaga scored 12 nominations, while Bruno Mars came in second with 11. Tonight will also be a big night for Sabrina Carpenter, who is nominated in eight categories, including video of the year. Here’s a full list of nominees:

Who is nominated for artist of the year?Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd are this year’s artist of the years nominees. This year could be the tie-breaker for Beyoncé and Swift, who currently share the record for the most Video Music Awards, with 30 wins each.

Who is nominated for best new artist at the 2025 VMAs?Alex Warren, Ella Langley, Gigi Perez, Lola Young, sombr, and The Marias are this year’s best new artist contenders.

Who is presenting at the 2025 VMAs?Honestly, this year’s list of presenters feels like a 2005 time capsule, with Paris Hilton, Ciara, Brittany Snow, Malin Akerman, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, and Ashlee Simpson all set to take the stage. (Shoutout to The Hunting Wives!)

These icons will be joined by Ice Spice, Latto, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser, Livvy Dunne, and KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE, REI AMI, and Audrey Nuna. The latest additions to the roster include Alix Earle, Lenny Kravitz, Luke Grimes, and ROSÉ.

Who is skipping the VMAs?We already have word that Taylor Swift will not be attending the event despite her nomination for artist of the year. There are also rumors Selena Gomez might skip the award show to get married to Benny Blanco, which could explain Swift’s absense.

You know who shouldn’t be skipping this year? You! Make sure to tune in to the MTV VMAs at 8 pm ET.