Lady Gaga Leads 2025 VMA Nominations as MTV Unveils Star-Packed Lineup

New York, August 7, 2025 — The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) nominations are out, and music icon Lady Gaga has taken the lead with a stunning seven nominations, cementing her continued dominance in the pop and visual music landscape. The announcement was made earlier today by MTV, kicking off excitement ahead of the highly anticipated awards ceremony set to take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Gaga is nominated in several top categories, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best Pop, thanks to her avant-garde hit single “Neon Heaven”, which has become a cultural phenomenon in the last few months.

Other top contenders include Taylor Swift, SZA, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd, each earning multiple nominations across categories that celebrate not just performance but also visual innovation and fan engagement. Notably, emerging artist Ice Spice has secured her first-ever VMA nod for Best New Artist, signaling a rising shift in the pop-rap fusion genre.

A New Era of Performance and Production

This year’s VMA nominations underscore the continued blending of visual artistry and music production, as seen in categories like Best Cinematography, Best Direction, and the fan-voted Group of the Year award. MTV is also pushing forward its digital-first strategy, with several categories focused on short-form content, TikTok influence, and fan interactions on Instagram and YouTube.

Lady Gaga’s “Neon Heaven” leads the pack in both traditional and new media categories, highlighting her adaptability and relevance in today’s hybrid entertainment environment.

“It’s not just about the music anymore—it’s about the moment, the message, and the movement,” said a senior VMA producer during the live announcement.

What to Expect from the 2025 Show

The 2025 VMAs promise to be a star-studded event with high-octane performances, surprise collaborations, and a continued focus on diversity and representation in music. The show’s producers have teased an “unexpected global opening act” and hinted at a possible tribute performance for late singer and icon Tina Turner, marking what would be the first VMA tribute to her legacy.

Returning as hosts for the second time are comedic duo Kenan Thompson and Awkwafina, who received positive reviews for their 2023 hosting debut. The network is also expanding global access with simultaneous live-streams in over 50 countries, tapping into the expanding global fan base of artists like BTS, Rosalía, and Billie Eilish.

Fan Voting Now Open

MTV has officially opened the public voting portal, encouraging fans worldwide to cast their votes in all major categories. Voting is available via the official MTV VMA website and the MTV mobile app. Fan enthusiasm is expected to play a major role in categories like Song of the Summer and Best Collaboration, both of which have previously seen tens of millions of votes.

You can view the complete list of 2025 VMA nominations here on MTV’s official site.

A Global Stage for Pop Icons

Lady Gaga’s frontrunner status comes as no surprise to music industry insiders. Her recent tour and global impact—especially after her role in Joker: Folie à Deux—has kept her in the public spotlight. Industry analysts say her dominance this year could further boost VMA viewership, which saw a 15% increase in 2024 thanks to high-profile performances and robust social media promotion.

“Lady Gaga is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and evolution. Her VMA nominations represent the shifting tides of modern music,” said a Billboard editor in a recent interview.

Conclusion

As the 2025 MTV VMAs gear up for what promises to be one of the most exciting music events of the year, all eyes are on Lady Gaga and her fellow nominees. With voting underway and anticipation building, this year’s awards are not just about who wins—but how music continues to shape and reflect the world we live in.

Stay tuned for further coverage as the VMAs approach, including exclusive behind-the-scenes looks, red carpet updates, and live coverage of the big night.