Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, Alex Warren & More to Rock 2025 MTV VMAs

Sabrina Carpenter Set for Second Consecutive MTV VMAs Performance

Sabrina Carpenter is preparing for her second consecutive performance at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Last year, she delivered a three-song medley featuring “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso,” which earned her the Song of the Year award for “Espresso.” This year, she’s up for eight awards, including Video of the Year for her track “Manchild” from her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend.

Carpenter is one of several big names set to take the stage at the 2025 VMAs. Other performers include Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, and sombr. The event will be hosted by LL COOL J and broadcast live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Emerging Artists in the Spotlight

Alex Warren and sombr are both nominated for Best New Artist at the VMAs. Their chances of being recognized at the Grammys are strong, following in the footsteps of last year’s VMA winner Chappell Roan, who also won the Grammy in that category. This year’s other nominees for Best New Artist include Ella Langley, Gigi Perez, Lola Young, and The Marías.

Warren is also nominated for Best Pop and Song of the Year for his global hit “Ordinary.” Meanwhile, sombr has been nominated for Best Alternative for his song “back to friends,” one of three tracks on the current HAWXTECH Hot 100. His performance at the VMAs marks his awards show debut.

Honoring Legends and Innovators

Busta Rhymes will receive the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, presented by host LL COOL J. The award honors artists who have made a significant cultural impact. Busta first appeared at the VMAs in 1997 and returned in 2021 with a hits medley. He received the Global Icon award at the 2024 MTV EMAs.

Ricky Martin will be honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, celebrating his four-decade career that helped bring Latin music into the mainstream. His return to the VMAs marks the 26th anniversary of his first performance, where he performed “She’s All I Ever Had” and “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” The latter video won five awards, including Best Pop Video and Best Dance Video.

J Balvin Returns with New Collaborations

J Balvin is making a comeback at the VMAs with his latest single “Zun Zun,” joined by Latin stars Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez. He will also team up with producer DJ Snake for the live premiere of their collaboration “Noventa.” This is DJ Snake’s first appearance at the VMAs. Balvin, who last performed in 2022, is aiming for his sixth Moon Person award, which would make him the leading Latin artist in VMA history.

Behind the Scenes of the 2025 VMAs

The 2025 VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky, with Bruce Gillmer, Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski as executive producers. Alicia Portugal serves as co-executive producer, while Jackie Barba is executive in charge of production. Wendy Plaut oversees celebrity talent, and Lisa Lauricella manages music talent.

Additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

A Star-Studded Nominations List

Lady Gaga leads the nominations for the 2025 VMAs with 12 nods, followed closely by Bruno Mars, who has 11. Other top contenders include Kendrick Lamar (10), ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter (eight each), Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (seven each), and Billie Eilish (six).

MTV has not yet revealed the recipient of the Video Vanguard Award, but industry insiders have speculated about potential candidates. This year’s VMAs will mark the first time the show is broadcast by CBS, simulcasting on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.

A New Era for the VMAs

This year’s event also marks Van Toffler’s return to the show after a decade-long absence. As CEO of Gunpowder & Sky, Toffler brings fresh energy and creative vision to the VMAs. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, the 2025 VMAs promise to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.