The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations are in, and Lady Gaga is on top once again. The pop superstar earned 12 nods – the most of any artist this year – as MTV announced its nominees this week. Close behind are Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10, making for a tight race among music heavyweights. Gaga’s slew of nominations spans major categories like Video of the Year, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year, thanks in part to her high-concept music videos and a hit duet with Mars that dominated the charts. Mars and Lamar also scored multiple nominations in key fields, reflecting the impact of their recent hits and visually striking videos.
This is the third time in her career that Lady Gaga has led the VMA nominations (she also did so in 2010 and 2020). It adds to her legacy as an awards-show favorite: she has already won 18 VMA trophies over the years, one of the highest totals of all time. Gaga’s continued recognition at the VMAs underscores her lasting influence on pop music and visual creativity. Fans are buzzing about the prospect of her taking the VMA stage – speculation is swirling that she could deliver another show-stopping performance or even premiere new music at the ceremony.
Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar, both prior VMA winners, will give Gaga stiff competition in categories like Video of the Year. Overall, this year’s nominations showcase a mix of veteran hitmakers and rising talents, promising an exciting and unpredictable awards race. The 2025 VMAs air live on September 7, and anticipation is already building for the big night’s performances and surprises.
