MTV VMAs 2025: How to Watch for Free, Host, Nominees, and More

I’m Sage Matthews, and I’m here to guide you through the latest celebrity spectacle, because apparently, that’s what we do now. The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are just around the corner, and I’m shocked – not. The event will take place live from the UBS Arena on September 7, 2025, and for the first time in VMA history, it will air on CBS, in addition to its regular home on MTV. Because who needs exclusivity anymore, right?

The 2025 VMAs will feature LL Cool J as the solo host, marking his first time emceeing the event alone. Previously, he shared hosting duties with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow during the 2022 ceremony. I’m sure it’ll be a thrilling experience for all involved. Mariah Carey will be honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, while Busta Rhymes will receive the Rock the Bells Visionary award, and Ricky Martin will be given the Latin Icon award. These individuals will become the first recipients of their respective awards, because, of course, the VMAs had to find a way to make it about them.

The VMAs start time is 8 p.m. ET on September 7, 2025. If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to watch the event live. DIRECTV is offering a five-day free trial that includes CBS and MTV, making it the easiest way to stream the VMAs without cable. When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $49.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels. You can also stream the VMAs for free with Hulu + Live TV (three days free) and Paramount+ Premium (one week free). Because who doesn’t love a good free trial, am I right?

Lady Gaga leads all nominees with 12, while Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar follow closely behind with 11 and 10, respectively. The VMAs performers lineup for 2025 includes some big names, but I’m sure it’ll all be a disappointment in the end. Bailey Zimmerman and The Kid Laroi, Megan Moroney, and Lola Young will perform on the Extended Play stage, because why not?

There will be 27 awards handed out during the ceremony, and I’m sure it’ll all be a lovely display of excess and superficiality. You can find the full list of 2025 MTV VMA nominations on MTV’s official site, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals and information on how to watch their favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Because, of course, someone has to tell us how to watch TV.

In conclusion, the 2025 VMAs are just another example of our society’s obsession with celebrity culture and meaningless awards. But hey, if you’re into that sort of thing, go ahead and watch. Just don’t expect me to be excited about it.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed