It’s official, first the upcoming MTV VMA’s may be the gayest in history and Mother Monster is back on top. MTV has unveiled the nominations for the 2025 Video Music Awards, and Lady Gaga is leading the pack with an incredible 12 nods — more than any other artist this year.
Gaga’s dominance includes Video of the Year for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” Artist of the Year, Best Album, and a staggering six nominations for her single “Abracadabra” alone. Her latest album, Mayhem, her first solo release since 2020’s Chromatica, has been praised by critics and fans alike.
The project fueled unforgettable performances — from Coachella to a record-breaking free concert in Brazil that drew 2.1 million people. This will mark Gaga’s first VMAs appearance since 2020, when she and Ariana Grande brought down the house with “Rain on Me.” And for longtime fans, it’s impossible to forget her blood-soaked, history-making “Paparazzi” performance in 2009.
Gaga isn’t the only queer or diva icon making waves this year. Billie Eilish earned six nominations, including Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.” Sabrina Carpenter and BLACKPINK’s Rosé are right behind with eight nods each, while Ariana Grande scored seven for her Brighter Days Ahead short film.
Miley Cyrus picked up four for Something Beautiful, her latest rock-leaning project. Doechii also earned four, while Beyoncé and Taylor Swift each received one — both for Artist of the Year. In Best New Artist, Lola Young and Gigi Perez will face off, with Young’s “Messy” also in Best Alternative. Charli XCX, featuring Billie Eilish, is nominated in multiple craft categories for the “Guess” remix.
Bad Bunny and Lorde also join this year’s nominee list. The 2025 MTV VMAs will take place September 7 at the UBS Arena in New York, airing on CBS for the first time, as well as Paramount+. With Gaga at the helm, this year’s show promises pure queer magic.
