The MTV VMAs are back, and they’re coming in hot. The first wave of performers and honorees for this year’s show has been revealed, and it’s already shaping up to be a major night in music.
Headlining the excitement? Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes will be honored with the very first MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award. With a career that spans decades, 20 million albums sold, and more than 60 million records certified gold and platinum, he’s been a cultural force since he first took the stage at the VMAs in 1997. He’s delivered plenty of unforgettable moments over the years (like his rapid-fire medley that closed out the 2021 show), so fans can expect something big when he hits the stage again Sept. 7.
But Busta’s not the only icon being celebrated. Ricky Martin will make history as the first artist to ever receive the Latin Icon Award. With over 70 million albums sold and more than 180 awards to his name, Martin has spent four decades breaking barriers and bringing Latin music into the global spotlight. His VMAs return comes 26 years after his electric 1999 performance, where he walked away with five wins and set the tone for Latin music’s takeover of pop.
As for performances, MTV is stacking the lineup early. Here’s who we’ll see take the stage:
Alex Warren – The breakout singer-songwriter (and newest MTV PUSH artist) will make his VMAs debut. He’s already up for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year with his global No. 1 hit, “Ordinary.”
Busta Rhymes – Expect another show-stopping moment from the hip-hop heavyweight as he’s honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
J Balvin ft. DJ Snake – Balvin returns with his smash “Zun Zun” (alongside Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez), then teams up with DJ Snake for the live debut of their collab “Noventa.” This could be the year Balvin makes history as the winningest Latin artist in VMAs history.
Ricky Martin – The Latin Icon himself will take the stage to celebrate his career milestone.
Sabrina Carpenter – Fresh off her first VMA win in 2024, Carpenter is back with eight nominations this year, including Video of the Year for “Manchild.”
sombr – The rising singer-songwriter/producer will make his award show debut, performing his breakout “back to friends” while vying for Best New Artist and Best Alternative.
And let’s not forget, the whole night will be hosted by LL COOL J! The 2025 MTV VMAs air on Sept. 7 at 7 PM CT live on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streaming on Paramount+. See the list of nominees for this year’s award show here.
UPDATE AS OF 8/26: Conan Gray, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and Tate McRae have now been announced as performers.
