MTV VMAs: Who’s been nominated for these awards?
The MTV VMAs continue to spotlight the biggest names in pop, hip-hop, and beyond, with fresh winners reshaping the conversation each year. Recent cycles show how the show balances legacy acts with new voices, and the focus remains on standout performances and category surprises that keep viewers tuned in.
Artists with the most MTV VMAs nominations
Lady Gaga led the 2025 field with twelve nominations across multiple categories. Doja Cat earned multiple nods that year as well and took the stage for a performance. These tallies reflect the ongoing pull of established stars who keep delivering both commercially and creatively.
When & Where will the MTV VMAs take place?
The 2025 show took place on September 7 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The 2026 edition is scheduled for September 27 in Los Angeles, marking the first time the ceremony returns to the city since 2017. Broadcast details include a CBS and MTV simulcast with Paramount+ streaming.
How to vote for your favorite artists
Voting opens after nominations are announced, typically in early August, through vote.mtv.com. Recent cycles have carried daily limits around ten votes per category per person. Most categories close shortly before the show, though Best New Artist voting sometimes stays open longer.
Artist of the Year
Lady Gaga took home Artist of the Year in 2025. Full nominee lists for 2026 remain pending, but early chatter already includes Doja Cat among the frontrunners.
Video of the Year
Ariana Grande won Video of the Year in 2025 for “brighter days ahead.” The win added to her long-standing presence at the VMAs and highlighted the continued strength of her visual work.
Song of the Year
Rosé and Bruno Mars claimed Song of the Year in 2025 for “APT.” The track’s crossover appeal and chart run made it a natural standout in the category.
Best New Artist
Alex Warren won Best New Artist in 2025. The category continues to surface rising talents who gain traction quickly through streaming and social platforms.
Recent VMA Winners and Standouts
The 2025 ceremony delivered clear headline moments. Ariana Grande’s Video of the Year victory, Lady Gaga’s Artist of the Year win, and the Song of the Year nod to Rosé and Bruno Mars for “APT.” underscored how the awards reward both established names and timely hits. These results shape the next cycle’s narrative before nominations even drop.
Doja Cat at the VMAs
Doja Cat performed “Jealous Type” at the 2025 show and collected multiple nominations that year. She now holds six career VMA wins across various categories. Her consistent presence reflects how the show continues to feature artists who move between pop, hip-hop, and experimental sounds.
Evolution of VMA Categories
Gender-neutral framing introduced in earlier years has held, while genre-specific categories keep expanding. Recent shows have kept Best K-Pop, Best Hip-Hop, and Best Collaboration on the slate. Lisa featuring Doja Cat and Raye won Best K-Pop in 2025, showing how the awards track global trends without forcing artists into narrower lanes.
Notable Performances from Recent VMAs
Doja Cat’s 2025 set stood out for its energy and staging. Jelly Roll and Post Malone also performed that year, bringing different textures to the night. These live moments often become the lasting images that fans replay long after the Moonperson winners are announced.
The VMAs keep adjusting to new release cycles and audience habits while still centering the artists who define each season. With 2026 already on the calendar in Los Angeles, the next round of nominations will likely spark fresh debates about who belongs at the top of the list.
