Lady Gaga is in the middle of her blockbuster “Mayhem Ball” tour, thrilling sold-out crowds from Las Vegas to Miami. But the pop icon isn’t slowing down. Next month, she’s set to take the MTV Video Music Awards stage for what could be her biggest television moment of the year — and fans are already buzzing about what she might deliver.
Lady Gaga Leads MTV VMAs With Most Nominations
GettyAccording to Variety, VMAs are shaping up to be Gaga’s night. She scored 12 nominations, the most of any artist this year, with recognition for her singles “Die With a Smile” and “Abracadabra,” along with her latest album “Mayhem.” That staggering total puts her just one shy of her own all-time record. Back in 2010, Gaga made history by earning 13 nominations in a single year — the highest ever for an artist at the VMAs.
This year’s race is still stacked with heavyweights. Bruno Mars follows with 11 nominations, Kendrick Lamar with 10, and Sabrina Carpenter and Rosé with eight each. Ariana Grande and The Weeknd both scored seven nods. Still, Gaga’s frontrunner status positions her as the clear centerpiece of the 2025 ceremony.
When and Where to Watch Lady Gaga Perform at MTV VMAs
For fans eager to see her next headline-making moment, Gaga will perform live at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7. The ceremony airs at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS, with streaming available the same time on Paramount+. International viewers will also be able to catch the show across MTV’s global networks, ensuring Gaga’s performance is seen worldwide.
Her VMAs appearances have become the stuff of pop culture legend — from arriving in a meat dress in 2010 to delivering raw emotion with “Yoü and I.” This year, anticipation is higher than ever as she prepares to showcase a brand-new era of her music, and fans are already speculating if her upcoming single “The Dead Dance” will make its live debut during the broadcast.
Star-Studded MTV VMAs Lineup and Historic Honors
Joining Gaga on stage will be Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Sombr, Conan Gray, Alex Warren, DJ Snake, Jelly Roll, J Balvin, and Tate McRae. Music royalty will also be honored: Mariah Carey is set to perform and accept the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, while Busta Rhymes will receive the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Ricky Martin will also make history as the first-ever recipient of the Latin Icon Award.
A Massive Year For Lady Gaga Amidst Mayhem Ball & Wednesday
Beyond the VMAs, Gaga has been everywhere. She recently announced her new single “The Dead Dance,” dropping September 3 to coincide with the release of the second half of Tim Burton’s “Wednesday” on Netflix. Her “Mayhem Ball” tour has been a juggernaut, drawing capacity crowds and heading next to New York City, Toronto, Chicago, and then overseas for an international run. With a global tour, new music, and 12 nominations leading into the VMAs, Lady Gaga is in the midst of one of the biggest years of her career.
