Ah, the MTV Video Music Awards. It’s the only award show where you can potentially witness Madonna and Britney Spears sharing a kiss, Kanye West and Taylor Swift start a decade-long beef, and Lady Gaga wearing a meat dress—and this year’s show is going to be here before you know it. If you don’t want to miss another jaw-dropping moment that will inevitably become a cultural touchstone (no pressure), then here are all the deets on the 2025 MTV VMAs, including who’s hosting, who’s performing, and how to tune in.

When are the 2025 VMAs?

Music’s most iconic night will be held at New York’s UBS Arena, airing Sunday, September 7 at 8 p.m. ET.

How can I watch the 2025 VMAs?

This year’s show will be airing live on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.

WATCH ON CBS | WATCH ON MTV | WATCH ON PARAMOUNT+

Who is nominated?

Among this year’s nominees, Lady Gaga is leading the pack with 12 nods, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and Song of the Year. Other top nominees include Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX. Here’s the full list.

Who is the emcee for the show?

LL Cool J will once again be returning to host after serving as a co-host alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow for 2022’s show.

Who are the presenters?

This year’s presenters include lots of familiar faces, including Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Livvy Dunne, Malin Akerman, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton, Alix Earle, Lenny Kravitz, Luke Grimes, ROSÉ, and KPop Demon Hunter’s EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna (aka Huntr/x).

Who is performing?

A star-studded bevy of performers is set to take the stage at this year’s VMAs, including *takes deep breath*… Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, Conan Gray, Doja Cat, J Balvin, DJ Snake, Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez, Jelly Roll, Mariah Carey (who’s receiving the Video Vanguard Award this year), Post Malone, Ricky Martin (who will be taking home the first-ever Latin Icon Award), Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, and Tate McRae.

You can also expect a musical tribute for the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, featuring Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt.

Plus, the VMAs Extended Play Stage will be moving in-show for the first time, spotlighting first-time nominees Bailey Zimmerman, The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney.

Is there a pre-show?

You betcha! Hosted by Kevan Kenney and Nessa with a special performance by KATSEYE, the one-hour special airs right before the show on Sunday, September 7 at 7 p.m. ET, and it will be available to watch on MTV, BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, and VH1.

Aaaaand that’s pretty much all we know for now! FWIW, Cosmo will be covering every single second of this year’s awards show, so come back here for all the happenings.