2025 VMAs Lineup Revealed: Sabrina Carpenter Leads First Wave
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- First slate of performers includes Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Alex Warren, and sombr.
- Show airs September 7 from UBS Arena in New York, hosted by LL Cool J, simulcast on CBS and MTV, streaming on Paramount Plus.
- Ricky Martin receives the inaugural Latin Icon Award; Busta Rhymes gets the Rock The Bells Visionary Award.
- Carpenter is up for eight awards, including Video of the Year for “Manchild,” ahead of her Aug 29 album release.
- Additional performers will be announced as the event approaches.
MTV unveiled the first wave of 2025 VMAs performers, with Sabrina Carpenter fronting a high profile slate that also features Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Alex Warren, and sombr. The ceremony is set for September 7 at UBS Arena in the New York area and will air on CBS and MTV, with streaming on Paramount Plus.
The network confirmed that LL Cool J will host, while two new career honors take center stage. Ricky Martin will receive the first Latin Icon Award, marking a celebrated return to the VMAs, and Busta Rhymes will be recognized with the Rock The Bells Visionary Award. The announcement arrives with a promise of more performers to come as the show nears.
Carpenter heads into the night with eight nominations, including Video of the Year for “Manchild,” timed to the late August release of her album Man’s Best Friend. The pairing of returning icons and breakout artists positions this year’s broadcast to span pop, Latin, and hip hop, while the early lineup gives brands and fans a clear runway to plan their VMAs moment.
