New York City is poised to once again host one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment as the 41st MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will feature hip-hop legend LL Cool J as its sole host. The announcement, made on August 14, 2025, confirms that James Todd Smith, known globally as LL Cool J, will command the stage alone for the first time in VMA history, building on his successful co-hosting stint in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. This pivotal news sets the stage for a major event in the American music calendar, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The broadcast will kick off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, promising an evening of unforgettable music, performances, and celebratory moments.
A Familiar Face Takes Center Stage
LL Cool J’s solo hosting duties underscore his enduring influence and deep roots within the music industry, particularly with the VMAs. His history with the prestigious awards dates back decades, highlighted by his win of the Best Rap Video Moon Person in 1991 for his iconic track, “Mama Said Knock You Out.” He further cemented his legacy in 1997 by becoming the first rapper to receive the coveted Video Vanguard Award.
Beyond his past wins and his co-hosting role in 2022, LL Cool J has been a consistent presence at the VMAs. He has graced the stage as a performer in the last two broadcasts and played a significant role in key celebrations, including the all-star tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023 and the commemoration of Def Jam Records’ 40th anniversary in 2024.
His selection as solo host is also a testament to his extensive experience in helming high-profile events. The Grammy-winning artist has a rich resume of hosting gigs, having led the Grammy Awards for five consecutive years from 2012 to 2016. His experience also spans the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, American Music Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned and charismatic emcee for any major music industry event.
Adding to the excitement, LL Cool J is not just hosting; he’s also a nominee himself. His collaboration with Eminem, “Murdergram Deux,” from his 2024 album, The Force, is nominated in the Best Hip-Hop category.
A New Era for VMA Broadcasts
This year’s VMAs marks a significant shift in its broadcast strategy. For the first time in its history, the ceremony will air live on CBS, in addition to its traditional home on MTV and streaming on Paramount+. This strategic move by Paramount Global aims to broaden the show’s reach, bringing the popular music awards to a wider, network television audience. In 2024, the VMAs achieved a 25% year-over-year spike in viewership and generated a record 66.7 million social interactions, indicating a growing interest in the event. The decision to air on CBS follows a trend of bringing music awards to major networks, aiming to capture even more eyeballs. While last year’s show was simulcast across 13 different channels, the 2025 edition will primarily focus on CBS and MTV, along with Paramount+, simplifying the viewing experience while still maximizing accessibility.
Leading the Pack: This Year’s Nominees
Beyond the exciting hosting news, the 2025 VMA nominations have generated considerable buzz. Lady Gaga leads the nominations with an impressive 12 nods, marking the third time the multi-talented artist has topped the nominations list – a feat unmatched in VMA history. Her nominations span major categories including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best Album.
Close behind are Bruno Mars with 11 nominations and Kendrick Lamar with 10, showcasing their significant impact over the past year. Other notable nominees include ROSÉ and Sabrina Carpenter, each with eight nominations, followed by Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven, and Billie Eilish with six.
The highly competitive Artist of the Year category features a formidable lineup of American and international talent: Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. A win in this category could be historic, as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift currently share the record for most career VMAs with 30 trophies each. Should either of these powerhouse artists clinch the Artist of the Year award, they would break the tie and become the most awarded musician in VMA history.
Further demonstrating the awards’ evolution, two new categories have been introduced this year: Best Country and Best Pop Artist, reflecting the dynamic landscape of popular music. Fans are actively participating in the awards, with voting open for 19 categories on vote.mtv.com until September 5, with the Best New Artist category remaining open even during the live show.
Fan Engagement and Anticipation
The anticipation for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards is building rapidly. The combination of a beloved and experienced host in LL Cool J, the strategic move to a wider broadcast platform, and a stellar list of nominees promises an electrifying evening. As the news continues to unfold regarding performers and presenters, music enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting September 7 to witness who will take home the coveted Moon Person trophies and to celebrate the vibrant world of American music videos. The event’s executive producers, Van Toffler, Bruce Gillmer, and Jesse Ignjatovic, are working to ensure the VMAs remain the culturally arresting show it’s known to be.
