Start time, CBS channel, streaming, performers lineup

Live from UBS Arena, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are here!

For the first time in VMA history, the awards will air on CBS, in addition to its regular home on MTV. Watch the VMAs live on DIRECTV for free. CBS is included in DIRECTV’s free trial, making it the easiest way to stream the VMAs without cable.

LL Cool J will emcee the VMAs for the first time solo; he previously shared hosting duties with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow during the 2022 ceremony.

During tonight’s ceremony, Mariah Carey will be honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Busta Rhymes will receive the Rock the Bells Visionary award, and the Latin Icon award will be given to Ricky Martin. Rhymes and Martin will become the first people in VMA history to receive their respective awards.

Here’s everything you need to know to tune in to the MTV Video Music Awards tonight without cable (for free, too, we might add).

What time are the 2025 MTV VMAs?

The VMAs start time is 8 p.m. ET tonight, Sept. 7.

What channel are the VMAs on tonight?

The VMAs are on CBS as a live stream for the first time ever and on MTV. Stream the MTV Video Music Awards on DIRECTV.

How to watch the 2025 MTV VMAs live for free:

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to watch tonight’s VMAs live.

DIRECTV is our top pick for watching the 2025 VMAs live for free — its five-day free trial includes CBS and MTV. The free trial for new subscribers offers a number of different subscription options. When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $49.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels. Sign up for DIRECTV free trial.

You can also stream the VMAs for free with Hulu + Live TV (three days free) and Paramount+ Premium (one week free).

Who is hosting the 2025 VMAs?

LL Cool J will emcee the VMAs for the first time solo this year. He previously shared hosting duties with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow during the 2022 ceremony.

2025 MTV VMA nominations (top categories):

There will be 27 awards handed out tonight; these are a few of the top prizes, but you can find the full list of 2025 MTV VMA nominations on MTV’s official site.

Lady Gaga, who is set to perform tonight, leads all nominees with 12, while Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar follow closely behind with 11 and 10, respectively.

Video of the Year:

• Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
• Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
• Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
• Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – “Die with a Smile”
• Rosé and Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• The Weeknd and Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

Artist of the Year:

• Bad Bunny
• Beyoncé
• Kendrick Lamar
• Lady Gaga
• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd

Song of the Year:

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
• Gracie Abrams – “I Love You, I’m Sorry”
• Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – “Die with a Smile”
• Rosé and Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
• Tate McRae – “Sports Car”

Best New Artist:

• Alex Warren
• Ella Langley
• Gigi Perez
• Lola Young
• Sombr
• The Marías

2025 MTV VMAs performers lineup?

The VMAs performers lineup for 2025, you expect to see take the stage throughout the night is:

• Alex Warren
• Busta Rhymes
• Conan Gray
• Doja Cat
• J Balvin, DJ Snake, Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez
• Jelly Roll
• Lady Gaga
• Mariah Carey
• Post Malone
• Ricky Martin
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sombr
• Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
• Tate McRae

Additionally, Bailey Zimmerman and The Kid Laroi, Megan Moroney, and Lola Young will perform on the Extended Play stage.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This 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 your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews