Lady Gaga’s artistic evolution continues to dazzle the music industry, with her latest triumph securing a staggering 12 MTV Video Music Award nominations for 2025. The achievement marks an extraordinary milestone — she’s now the only artist to dominate the nomination list three separate times throughout the show’s four-decade run.
“Mayhem,” Gaga’s genre-bending latest album, hasn’t just captured attention; it’s sparked a cultural moment. The record’s nominations span nearly every major category, from Video of the Year to Artist of the Year, adding to her already impressive collection of 18 moonmen trophies. Not bad for the artist who once shocked audiences by wearing that infamous meat dress, right?
The competition’s fierce this year, though. Bruno Mars trails close behind with 11 nods, while Kendrick Lamar’s thought-provoking visual masterpieces earned him 10 nominations. Perhaps most exciting is the emergence of fresh faces — ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter have each snagged eight nominations, proving that pop music’s next generation isn’t just knocking at the door; they’re breaking it down.
Set for September 7 at New York’s UBS Arena, this year’s ceremony is breaking new ground. CBS joins forces with MTV for the first-ever network simulcast, while Paramount+ brings the spectacle to screens worldwide. In these streaming-dominated times, it’s a smart play that acknowledges how we consume entertainment has shifted dramatically since the VMAs first aired back in ’84.
The Artist of the Year category reads like a dream lineup of contemporary music royalty. Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd — each bringing their unique artistic vision to the table. The subplot between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift adds extra spice; both superstars are gunning to extend their record-breaking VMA winning streaks.
In a nod to music’s expanding horizons, the VMAs have introduced Best Country and Best Pop Artist categories. The show maintains its commitment to gender-neutral recognition across all 19 categories — something that seemed revolutionary just a few years ago but now feels wonderfully normal.
Fan participation remains crucial to the VMAs’ DNA. Through vote.mtv.com until September 5, music lovers can support their favorites. There’s even a daily “Power Hour” — sponsored by BACARDÍ Rum — offering double voting power between 1-2 PM ET from August 7 through September 4. Watch those fan armies mobilize!
Last year’s ceremony generated 66 million social interactions — a number that seems destined to fall given this year’s lineup. As music continues its rapid evolution (remember when we thought TikTok was just a fad?), the 2025 VMAs stand ready to celebrate both tradition and transformation. And with Lady Gaga leading the charge, expect nothing less than spectacular.
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