Start time, red carpet, streaming, performers lineup

Whether you’re taking bets on who wins the most awards or just watching for the incredible fashion and performances, the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 are a highlight of the music industry’s year.

And the 2025 show is sure to be a banger, thanks to performances from nominated musicians like Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter — plus hip-hop legend LL Cool J returning as host.

Read on for everything you need to know, including how to watch and who else is performing.

When are the 2025 MTV VMAs?

The VMAs kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in New York and will be available to watch and stream live. If you want to catch the red carpet looks, tune in early, the VMAs red carpet 2025 starts at 7 p.m. ET.

How to stream the 2025 VMAs for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the VMAs for free. One option we love is DirecTV, which includes CBS and comes with a five-day free trial (after which pricing starts at $49.99/month).

You can also take advantage of a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV to catch the show.

Who’s hosting the VMAs this year?

LL Cool J will host the 2025 MTV VMAs, marking his first time taking on the gig solo. The hip-hop icon previously shared hosting duties with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow at the 2022 ceremony, but this year he’ll be the main emcee on stage.

Who’s performing at the 2025 VMAs?

Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey are just a few of the acts taking the stage. Besides performing, Carey is also set to receive this year’s Video Vanguard Award.

Additionally, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt will all honor the late Ozzy Osbourne in a tribute.

Here’s the 2025 VMAs performers lineup:

• Alex Warren
• Busta Rhymes
• Conan Gray
• Doja Cat
• J Balvin, DJ Snake, Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez
• Jelly Roll
• Lady Gaga
• Mariah Carey
• Post Malone
• Ricky Martin
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sombr
• Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
• Tate McRae

Who’s nominated at the 2025 VMAs?

Lady Gaga has a whopping 12 nominations, while Bruno Mars earned 11 and Kendrick Lamar scored 10. Clocking eight nominations each are Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter, with Ariana Grande and The Weeknd each getting seven. Here’s a short list of key 2025 VMA nominees:

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This article was written by Erica Radol, Page Six Commerce Reporter. From identifying the top anti-aging skincare secrets the stars trust to pinpointing the season’s next big fashion trends to finding a great deal on all of the above, Erica has a knack for reporting on – and even testing – Hollywood’s bestselling fashion and beauty products. Before joining Page Six in 2025, she wrote about entertainment, lifestyle and shopping trends for Us Weekly, The Daily Beast, Entertainment Tonight, Well+Good and Hearst.