Doja Cat kicked off the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in style with a performance of her latest single Jealous Type that featured plenty of style direct from the 1980s.
The 29-year-old rapper and singer put on a sizzling display that showcased her shockingly flexible figure as she performed at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
At one point, Doja (real name: Amala Dlamini) writhed about on the stage floor as she bent her leg back directly over her head in a particularly sultry display.
The hitmaker heavily leaned on ’80s references at the start of her performance, which she introduced in a glitchy video inspired by Max Headroom that lived up to its hacker influences by interrupting the host, LL Cool J.
Doja wore a rubbery black suit with a white shirt and slim black tie, and she wore a wig of plastic-like wavy hair inspired by Matt Frewer’s original look as the computer-generated host.
Immediately after the introduction, as the first notes of Jealous Type began to play, she brought out another figure who rose to prominence in the ’80s: the controversial smooth jazz icon Kenny G.
Doja Cat kicked off the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in style with a performance of her latest single Jealous Type that featured plenty of style direct from the 1980s
The 29-year-old rapper and singer put on a sizzling display that showcased her shockingly flexible figure. At one point, Doja writhed about on the stage floor as she bent her leg back directly over her head in a particularly sultry display
The hitmaker heavily leaned on ’80s references at the start of her performance, which she introduced in a glitchy video inspired by Max Headroom that lived up to its hacker influences by interrupting the host, LL Cool J
He embellished the melody on his soprano saxophone as Doja descended from the heavens on a curving hot pink chaise longue.
The performer showcased her stellar figure in a white crop top that revealed her toned midriff. She paired it with baggy black pants and sleek black vans sneakers.
As backup dancers joined her on the black-and-white checkerboard stage, Doja showed off her best robotic dance moves.
The evening’s second performance belonged to rising star Lola Young.
The English singer channeled Amy Winehouse with a soulful rendition of her 2024 Messy, which eschewed a large production in favor of a relaxed performance with her band.
She favored casual streetwear, including a baggy jacket decorated with the Union Jack and dark relaxed-fit jeans.
Ricky Martin follower her up with a medley of some of his most popular tunes before he was honored with the Latin Icon Award.
He kicked off his mini set with his iconic mega-hit Livin’ La Vida Loca.
As the first notes of Jealous Type began to play, she brought out another figure who rose to prominence in the ’80s: controversial smooth jazz icon Kenny G
He embellished the melody on his soprano saxophone as Doja descended from the heavens on a curving hot pink chaise longue
The performer showcased her stellar figure in a white crop top that revealed her toned midriff. She paired it with baggy black pants and sleek black vans sneakers
As backup dancers joined her on the black-and-white checkerboard stage, Doja showed off her best robotic dance moves
The evening’s second performance belonged to rising star Lola Young
The English singer channeled Amy Winehouse with a soulful rendition of her 2024 Messy, which eschewed a large production in favor of a relaxed performance with her band
She favored casual streetwear, including a baggy jacket decorated with the Union Jack and dark relaxed-fit jeans
He towered above the stage at first in a dangling cage while rocking a white sport coat with peaked lapels and a satin scarf tied around his throat and contrasting baggy pants.
As he transitioned into performances of Vente Pa’ Ca, Maria and La Copa de La Vida, Martin tossed off his jacket to reveal his black tank top and rippling biceps.
Tate McRae was dressed in little more than white underwear when she took to the stage for a performance that began with a slow, sultry version of her single Revolving Door.
She wore a white bra top that looked as if it was made of strips of bandages, as well as a matching set of slim bottoms that highlighted her toned limbs and taut tummy.
The rising star included a medley of her songs What Would You Do? and Sports Car while nearly nude male dancers in black underwear posed like bodybuilders and flung sand from a giant sand pit placed on stage.
McRae took a page out of Doja Cat’s book by showing off her own flexible figure as she pulled her leg back so that it was nearly perpendicular with her torso.
One of the VMAs’ most high-profile performances belonged to Busta Rhymes.
The rap icon was being honored as the first-ever recipient of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
Ricky Martin follower her up with a medley of some of his most popular tunes before he was honored with the Latin Icon Award
As he transitioned into performances of Vente Pa’ Ca, Maria and La Copa de La Vida, Martin tossed off his white sport coat to reveal his black tank top and rippling biceps
Tate McRae was dressed in little more than white underwear when she took to the stage for a performance that began with a slow, sultry version of her single Revolving Door
The rising star included a medley of her songs What Would You Do? and Sports Car while nearly nude male dancers in black underwear posed like bodybuilders and flung sand from a giant sand pit placed on stage
McRae took a page out of Doja Cat’s book by showing off her own flexible figure as she pulled her leg back so that it was nearly perpendicular with her torso
One of the VMAs’ most high-profile performances belonged to Busta Rhymes
The rap icon was being honored as the first-ever recipient of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award
He performed a triumphant medley with some of his most iconic songs, including Gimme Some More, Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Touch It, Pass the Courvoisier Part II — which was recently sampled by Tyler, the Creator — and A Tribe Called Quest’s Scenario, which was a breakout moment for Rhymes, who was only 19 when he appeared on the track.
Joining him on stage were his regular sidekick, DJ Scratch, and GloRilla.
Next up was Sabrina Carpenter, who promoted her new album Man’s Best Friend by performing its single Tears.
She showed off her sense of humor by emerging from a manhole cover labeled ‘SABRINA’ onto a stage designed to look like a charmingly dirty New York City alley populated by drag queens and voguing backup dancers.
The hitmaker, who mostly sauntered across the stage while her backup dancers kept the energy up, departed from the formula for a ‘dance break’ at the end in which sprinklers rained down on her as she joined the ensemble.
Carpenter ripped off her tiered and tasseled top to reveal a shimmering bra decorated with dangling strands of beads and jewels as she gyrated in the rain.
The VMAs threw a bone to country music fans when the show took a break to broadcast Post Malone and Jelly Roll’s performance of Losers from a joint concert in Germany.
The rappers-turned-pop country stars played to an open-air stadium full of fans as fireworks lit up the night sky.
He performed a triumphant medley with some of his most iconic songs, including Gimme Some More, Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Touch It, Pass the Courvoisier Part II and A Tribe Called Quest’s Scenario
Next up was Sabrina Carpenter, who promoted her new album Man’s Best Friend by performing its single Tears
She showed off her sense of humor by emerging from a manhole cover labeled ‘SABRINA’ onto a stage designed to look like a charmingly dirty New York City alley populated by drag queens and voguing backup dancers
Carpenter mostly sauntered across the stage until a final ‘dance break’ when she joined the dancing ensemble
She ripped off her top to reveal a tasseled bra showcasing her trim figure as sprinklers began to rain down on her
The VMAs threw a bone to country music fans when the show took a break to broadcast Post Malone and Jelly Roll’s performance of Losers from a joint concert in Germany
The rappers-turned-pop country stars played to an open-air stadium full of fans as fireworks lit up the night sky
The VMAs stayed on the country pop theme for the next performance from country singer Bailey Zimmerman, who was joined by The Kid Laroi on supporting vocals.
Zimmerman’s led a brief performance with a full band while rocking a white leather vest and matching leather pants, while The Kid Laroi favored a white suit and black pants.
Mariah Carey went on to add a touch of glamour to the performances.
She was introduced by a fellow diva, Ariana Grande, before launching into a medley of her career-defining tunes, including Honey, We Belong Together and her massively popular Fantasy, which was performed in the remixed version.
No doubt all eyes will be on Lady Gaga as she makes her long-awaited return to the award show after a five-year absence.
The 39-year-old music superstar is up for the most awards of the night as she was nominated for 12 including top honor Video Of The Year for her duet with Bruno Mars titled Dying With A Smile.
Gaga already has 18 VMA wins under her belt and her fans are anticipating her to add even more accolades this year.
This year also marks the third time that Gaga led MTV’s list of VMA nominees.
The VMAs stayed on the country pop theme for the next performance from country singer Bailey Zimmerman (pictured), who was joined by The Kid Laroi on supporting vocals
Zimmerman’s led a brief performance with a full band while rocking a white leather vest and matching leather pants, while The Kid Laroi favored a white suit and black pants
No doubt all eyes will be on Lady Gaga as she is making her long-awaited return to the award show after a five-year absence
The last time Gaga performed at the VMAs, she took the stage with Ariana Grande to perform their chart-topping dance-pop collaboration, Rain On Me, in 2020
Sabrina Carpenter is also set to perform at the event as she will compete against Gaga for top honor Video of the Year for Manchild
She previously topped the list with 13 nods in 2010 and again in 2020 tying for first with nine total nominations.
The Bad Romance hitmaker is followed by her collaborator Bruno Mars who has 11 nominations and Kendrick Lamar has the third most nominations with ten.
Taylor Swift did not release a single or album in the last year so she is only up for one award in the Artist Of The Year category.
Last week Gaga — born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta — announced that she would also be returning to the stage for a performance.
She will be joining the highly anticipated lineup, including Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Tate McRae, J Balvin and many more.
The last time Gaga performed at the VMAs, she took the stage with Ariana Grande to perform their chart-topping dance-pop collaboration, Rain On Me, in 2020.
Presenters for the event include Ciara, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton, Livvy Dunne and Ice Spice.
Rapper and actor LL Cool J is host of the event which will air for the first time on major network CBS. The show will also stream on the premium tier of Paramount+ and be simulcast on MTV.
MTV Video Music Awards 2025 winners in full
Video of the Year, Presented by Burger King®
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless
Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Beyoncé
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga – WINNER
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Taylor Swift’s lone nomination was in the Artist of the Year category
Song of the Year
Alex Warren – Ordinary
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Doechii – Anxiety
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Lorde – What Was That
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt. – WINNER
Tate McRae – Sports Car
The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless
Best New Artist
Alex Warren
Ella Langley
Gigi Perez
Lola Young
Sombr
The Marías
Best Pop Artist
Ariana Grande
Charli XCX
Justin Bieber
Lorde
Miley Cyrus
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Justin Bieber is one of the names in star-studded category Best Pop Artist
MTV Push Performance of the Year, Presented by Bacardí® Rum
Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song
Damiano David – Next Summer
Dasha – Bye Bye Bye
Gigi Perez – Sailor Song
Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani
Katseye – Touch – WINNER
Lay Bankz – Graveyard
Leon Thomas – Yes It Is
Livingston – Shadow
Mark Ambor – Belong Together
Role Model – Sally, When the Wine Runs Out
Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)
Best Collaboration, Presented by Under Armour
Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs – Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Post Malone Featuring Blake Shelton – Pour Me a Drink
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Sunset Blvd
Best Pop
Alex Warren – Ordinary
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Sabrina Carpenter is up for Best Pop for her music video for Manchild
Best Hip-Hop
Doechii – Anxiety
Drake – Nokia
Eminem Featuring Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me
Glorilla Featuring Sexyy Red – Whatchu Kno About Me
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
LL Cool J Featuring Eminem – Murdergram Deux
Travis Scott – 4×4
Best R&B
Chris Brown – Residuals
Leon Thomas & Freddie Gibbs – Mutt (Remix)
Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous
PartyNextDoor – No Chill
Summer Walker – Heart of a Woman
SZA – Drive
The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless
Best Alternative
Gigi Perez – Sailor Song
Imagine Dragons – Wake Up
Lola Young – Messy
MGK & Jelly Roll – Lonely Road
Sombr – Back to Friends
The Marías – Back to Me
Best Rock
Coldplay – All My Love
Evanescence – Afterlife (From the Netflix Series “Devil May Cry”)
Green Day – One Eyed Bastard
Lenny Kravitz – Honey
Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine
Twenty One Pilots – The Contract
Best Latin
Bad Bunny – Baile Inolvidable
J Balvin – Rio
Karol G – Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido
Peso Pluma – La Patrulla
Rauw Alejandro & Romeo Santos – Khé?
Shakira – Soltera
Karol G will be facing off against Bad Bunny in the Best Latin category
Best K-Pop
Aespa – Whiplash
Jennie – Like Jennie
Jimin – Who
Jisoo – Earthquake
Lisa Featuring Doja Cat & Raye – Born Again
Stray Kids – Chk Chk Boom
Rosé – Toxic Till the End
Best Afrobeats
Asake & Travis Scott – Active
Burna Boy Featuring Travis Scott – TaTaTa
Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)
Rema – Baby (Is It A Crime)
Tems Featuring Asake – Get It Right
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Wizkid Featuring Brent Faiyaz – Piece of My Heart
Tyla is up for Best Afrobeats
Best Country
Chris Stapleton – Think I’m in Love With You
Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood – I’m Gonna Love You
Jelly Roll – Liar
Lainey Wilson – 4x4xU
Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
Morgan Wallen – Smile
Best Album
Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet – WINNER
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem is up for Best Album a she has the most nominations with 12
Best Long Form Video
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos (Short Film)
Damiano David – Funny Little Stories
Mac Miller – Balloonerism
Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
Video for Good
Burna Boy – Higher
Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish
Doechii – Anxiety
Eminem Featuring Jelly Roll – Somebody Save Me
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – Younger and Hotter Than Me
Zach Hood Featuring Sasha Alex Sloan – Sleepwalking
Best Direction
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Best Art Direction
Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Lorde – Man of the Year
Miley Cyrus – End of the World
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Charli xcx and Billie Eilish are up for three awards for their Guess (Remix) video
Best Cinematography
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Miley Cyrus – Easy Lover
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Best Editing
Charli XCX – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish
Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)
Best Choreography
Doechii – Anxiety
FKA twigs – Eusexua
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Zara Larsson – Pretty Ugly
Best Visual Effects
Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
Best Group
Aespa
All Time Low
Backstreet Boys
Blackpink
Coldplay
Evanescence
Fuerza Regida
Grupo Frontera
Imagine Dragons
Jonas Brothers
Katseye
The Marías
My Chemical Romance
Seventeen
Stray Kids
Twenty One Pilots
Katseye face heavy competition for Best Group
Song of the Summer
Addison Rae – Headphones On
Alex Warren – Ordinary
Benson Boone – Mystical Magical
BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman – All the Way
Chappell Roan – The Subway
Demi Lovato – Fast
Doja Cat – Jealous Type
Huntr/x – Golden
Jessie Murph – Blue Strips
Justin Bieber – Daisies
Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)
Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae – What I Want
Ravyn Lenae Featuring Rex Orange County – Love Me Not
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Sombr – 12 to 12
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (From F1® the Movie)