MTV VMAs 2025 Star-Studded Lineup: Sabrina Carpenter Headlines Epic Performance Roster

The MTV VMAs 2025 is set to deliver one of the most spectacular nights in music television history, with a powerhouse lineup of performers that includes pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, reggaeton superstar J Balvin, and Latin icon Ricky Martin. The highly anticipated awards ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, at New York’s UBS Arena, promises to be a groundbreaking evening that celebrates the year’s biggest musical achievements while showcasing unforgettable live performances from today’s most influential artists.

Sabrina Carpenter Returns to MTV VMAs 2025 Stage

Following her show-stopping performance at the 2024 VMAs that recreated Britney Spears’ iconic kiss with Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter is making her highly anticipated return to the MTV VMAs 2025 main stage. The “Espresso” singer, who caused quite the commotion at last year’s award show, is nominated for eight awards this year, including the prestigious Video of the Year category for her “Manchild” music video.

Sabrina Carpenter‘s 2024 VMAs performance was a masterclass in pop spectacle, featuring a medley of “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso.” The 26-year-old artist’s creative vision included recreating Britney’s “Oops!… I Did It Again” bridge with dramatic staging featuring an astronaut and a blue alien, culminating in steamy kisses that had audiences talking for weeks. Her upcoming MTV VMAs 2025 performance is expected to be equally memorable, especially as she prepares to release her seventh studio album, “Man’s Best Friend,” on August 29.

J Balvin and DJ Snake’s Live Premiere at MTV VMAs 2025

Colombian superstar J Balvin returns to the MTV VMAs 2025 stage for the first time since 2022, bringing an explosive double performance that showcases both his Latin hits and cutting-edge collaborations. Balvin will take the stage alongside Latin singers Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez to perform their chart-topping hit “Zun Zun,” before being joined by producer DJ Snake for the highly anticipated live premiere of their collaborative song “Noventa.”

This performance marks DJ Snake’s first-ever VMAs appearance, adding an extra layer of excitement to the MTV VMAs 2025 lineup. J Balvin, who is currently nominated for Best Latin for his song “Rio,” holds the distinction of being the most winning Latin artist in VMAs history. With his sixth potential Moon Person award this year, Balvin could break his tie with Ricky Martin as the leading Latin award winner in VMA history.

Historic Awards and Milestone Performances

The MTV VMAs 2025 will make history by presenting two inaugural awards during the ceremony. Ricky Martin will receive the first-ever Latin Icon Award, recognizing his four-decade career that “launched Latin music and culture into the mainstream.” This prestigious honor comes 26 years after Martin’s career-defining 1999 VMAs performance, where he became the first male Latin artist to win Best Pop Video for “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”

Busta Rhymes will be honored with the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, celebrating his boundary-breaking cultural impact and successful musical career spanning over 60 million certified records sold worldwide. Both artists are confirmed to deliver special performances during the MTV VMAs 2025 ceremony, promising emotional and powerful tributes to their legendary careers.

Complete MTV VMAs 2025 Performer Lineup

New Artists and Rising Stars at MTV VMAs 2025

The MTV VMAs 2025 will spotlight emerging talent alongside established superstars. Alex Warren, recognized as the newest MTV PUSH artist, will make his VMAs debut with a performance that could establish him as a major force in pop music. Warren is nominated for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for his global No. 1 smash “Ordinary,” positioning him as a serious contender across multiple categories.

Singer-songwriter sombr will also make his awards show debut during the MTV VMAs 2025, marking his first VMA nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative for his track “back to friends.” With three songs currently on the Billboard Hot 100 (“back to friends,” “Undressed,” and “12 to 12”), sombr represents the new generation of artists breaking through traditional music industry barriers.

MTV VMAs 2025 Production and Broadcast Details

The MTV VMAs 2025 will be hosted by legendary rapper and actor LL Cool J, who brings his decades of entertainment experience to music’s biggest night. The ceremony will air live coast-to-coast on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, marking a historic moment as the show broadcasts simultaneously on CBS for the first time alongside its longtime home on MTV.

The production team for MTV VMAs 2025 includes several industry veterans ensuring top-tier entertainment quality:

Nominations Leadership and Competition

Lady Gaga dominates the MTV VMAs 2025 nominations with an impressive 12 nods, closely followed by her “Die With a Smile” duet partner Bruno Mars, who has 11 nominations. Kendrick Lamar rounds out the top three with 10 nominations, setting up fierce competition across major categories.

The Video of the Year category features a star-studded lineup including Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Weeknd & Playboi Carti. Meanwhile, the Artist of the Year competition includes Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd.

New Categories and Expanded Recognition

The MTV VMAs 2025 introduces two exciting new categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist, reflecting the evolving landscape of popular music and ensuring broader representation across genres. These additions complement the traditional categories while acknowledging the growing influence of country music in mainstream culture and the continued dominance of pop artists in the global music scene.

First-time nominees include Warren, sombr, ROSÉ, Lola Young, The Marías, JENNIE, Jimin, and JISOO, representing the international expansion of the VMAs and recognition of diverse musical talents from around the world.

Cultural Impact and Industry Significance

The MTV VMAs 2025 represents more than just an awards ceremony; it serves as a cultural touchstone that reflects the current state of music, fashion, and entertainment. Sabrina Carpenter‘s return performance following her viral 2024 moment demonstrates how the VMAs continue to create pop culture moments that resonate far beyond the music industry.

The inclusion of both established superstars like Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes alongside emerging artists like Alex Warren and sombr showcases the VMAs’ commitment to celebrating musical legacy while nurturing new talent. This balance ensures the MTV VMAs 2025 will appeal to multiple generations of music fans while creating new memorable moments for social media and cultural discussion.

Anticipation for Additional Announcements

MTV has confirmed that additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be revealed in the coming weeks, building anticipation for what promises to be one of the most talked-about MTV VMAs 2025 in recent memory. The combination of confirmed superstars, award presentations, live premieres, and surprise elements positions this year’s ceremony as a must-watch television event.

With Sabrina Carpenter leading the charge alongside international sensations and music legends, the MTV VMAs 2025 is poised to deliver the perfect blend of nostalgia, contemporary hits, and forward-looking artistry that has made the VMAs a cultural institution for over four decades.

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