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Freshly announced is the appointment of hip-hop legend LL Cool J as the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards host, with promises from producers of a must-watch event airing live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, September 7th. MTV had a big time for the announcement on Instagram, which was duly complemented with explosive emojis. While the others smiled at this throwback decision, some wondered if the younger ones know who he really is.
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The promo calls LL Cool J “an icon” and “one of a kind,” which is the very least that could be said for a career spanning several decades. “Mama Said Knock You Out” to NCIS: Los Angeles, from slamming one genre to acting in others, he has always brought the big guns. The online reactions have, of course, been mixed. One of the users, rude to say the least, asked, “Who the hell is that?” The other asked sarcastically, “Yall think Gen Z knows who LL Cool J is? Cause they don’t.” Ouch.
To be honest, he has hosted that show and done far better a couple of times. “Best host in the worldddd,” said one fan. Another one added, “They know how to get people – the 🐐 hosting now I gotta check it out.” Somehow it becomes a full-circle moment for those who grew up watching him command stages in the 90s.
This fueled the performance request, which included a plethora pleading for Doja Cat. “Doja Cat performance plsss ❤️❤️❤️” was at the forefront of the comments. Others suggested Ayra Starr or tossed around the possibility of surprise guests. An Indonesian fan had a very funny suggestion: Agnez Mo all the way because “Reacher is related to CBS” — a nod to LL’s hit show. Random? Absolutely. Funny? Without a doubt.
There were also talks of Vanguard Awards and fans strongly campaigning for Lady Gaga. “Lady Gaga For VANGUARD AWARD,” begged one, whilst another said that Miley Cyrus will probably be the pick this year.
Then there are those cynics who don’t really care for the awards anyway. “Do people still watch music award shows?” one cynical voice asked. A very valid question if it was asked in 2025, even more valid when attention spans stand toe-to-toe with that of a goldfish. Yet accompanied by the zest of LL Cool J and the desperation from MTV to remain relevant, it could turn either way-a train-wreck or a must-watch.
Now, onto the beast in the middle of the room- that great big monster, on the verge of shaking the entire building- Yes, VMAs will not air on MTV as such this year. “Wait, so the MTV VMAs aren’t going to be shown on MTV?” said an angry fan. Nope! Full-on CBS/Paramount+ this year, simulcast by MTV. Who needs sense nowadays?
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Whether or not LL’s back will prove to be a triumphant return or the death of all award shows, one thing can definitely be said-the comments section is more fun than most TV shows we’ve seen last year. If Doja Cat is bumped, as everyone is asking for, then this is either going to be something special or meme-worthy.