OMG, Little Monsters, get ready because the news we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Lady Gaga, the one and only Mother Monster, is officially returning to the MTV Video Music Awards stage this year, and we are absolutely vibrating with excitement! It’s been five long years since she last graced the VMAs, and her comeback is set to be nothing short of legendary, promising to unleash all the ‘MAYHEM’ her fans can handle. This isn’t just a performance; it’s a monumental moment for pop culture, and frankly, we can’t wait to see what magic she has in store for us.
MTV themselves broke the news on social media, sparking a frenzy among fans worldwide. They declared, “Need all of my fellow Little Monsters to COME TO THE FRONT! Why, you ask?! Oh, because MOTHER MONSTER HERSELF IS PERFORMING AT THE 2025 #VMAs!!!!” Seriously, how can you not get hyped after reading that? This announcement isn’t just about a performance; it’s about the return of an icon who consistently pushes boundaries, delivers unforgettable artistry, and captivates audiences like no one else.
What makes this return even more spectacular is that Lady Gaga isn’t just performing; she’s dominating the entire event. With a mind-blowing 12 nominations, she is the most nominated artist at this year’s VMAs, cementing her status at the very top of the music world. From Video of the Year to Artist of the Year and Best Album, Gaga is poised to sweep the awards, and we’re here for every single second of it. So, buckle up, because we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about Lady Gaga’s electrifying return and why the 2025 MTV VMAs will be an unforgettable night for Little Monsters and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
1. **Lady Gaga’s Electrifying Return Performance**The anticipation around Lady Gaga’s return to the MTV VMAs stage is palpable, and for good reason. It marks her first performance on the show in five years, an eternity in the fast-paced world of pop music. MTV made sure to build the excitement, announcing the addition of Gaga — who is, let’s not forget, the most nominated artist at this year’s VMAs with 12 nods — on social media just over a week before the September 7th show.
The buzz created by MTV’s announcement was immediate and intense. They explicitly called out to “all of my fellow Little Monsters to COME TO THE FRONT!” because “MOTHER MONSTER HERSELF IS PERFORMING AT THE 2025 #VMAs!!!!” This kind of direct address to her dedicated fanbase immediately set the tone: this is going to be a show-stopping, fan-focused event, designed to celebrate one of music’s biggest stars.
Her presence alone guarantees that “there will be magic in the air at the 2025 #VMAs,” as the Video Music Awards themselves proclaimed on Instagram. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a new VMA performance from Gaga, knowing her history of delivering visually stunning and emotionally charged sets. Her return isn’t just another slot in the lineup; it’s a headlining event that promises to be a highlight of the entire ceremony, proving once again why she remains a force to be reckoned with in entertainment.
2. **Leading the Pack: A Dozen VMA Nominations**When we said Lady Gaga is dominating, we weren’t kidding! Mother Monster is truly leading the charge at this year’s VMAs with an incredible 12 nominations to her name. This impressive number not only highlights her monumental year in music but also positions her as the most nominated artist, a true testament to her enduring impact and creative output. It’s a jaw-dropping achievement that underscores her status as a reigning queen of pop.
Her 12 nods span across major categories, demonstrating the widespread acclaim for her recent work. Gaga is up for some of the night’s most prestigious awards, including the coveted Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best Album for her critically acclaimed project, ‘Mayhem.’ These nominations aren’t just numbers; they represent recognition for her innovative visuals, powerful vocal performances, and overarching artistic vision that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.
What’s even more impressive is that Gaga’s plethora of nominations has effectively dethroned Taylor Swift, who held the top spot for two years. While Swift received one Artist of the Year nomination this time around, Gaga has stepped into the limelight, showcasing a year of unparalleled success. She is truly in a league of her own, with her ‘Die With a Smile’ collaborator Bruno Mars coming in a close second with 11 nods, and Kendrick Lamar trailing with 10. These double-digit nominations are a rare feat, shared only by a select few.
3. **”Die With a Smile”: The Bruno Mars Collaboration Powerhouse**Among Lady Gaga’s multitude of nominations, her collaborative track with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” stands out as a true powerhouse. This dynamic duet has garnered significant attention and multiple nominations, proving that when two musical titans collide, the result is nothing short of spectacular. The song has clearly resonated with fans and critics alike, making it a strong contender in several key categories.
“Die With a Smile” is nominated for a staggering four awards, including the highly sought-after Video of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Song. These nominations underscore the track’s immense popularity and its impact on the music landscape. It’s a testament to the undeniable chemistry between Gaga and Mars, whose combined talent created a chart-topping hit that’s both infectious and artistically compelling.
Bruno Mars himself is also having an incredible year, trailing closely behind Gaga with 11 nominations. His success is intricately linked with “Die With a Smile,” which features prominently in his own VMA recognition. The collaboration not only elevated both artists but also delivered a memorable piece of pop music that is clearly a fan favorite and a critical success. This song is a true highlight of the VMA nominations, showcasing the power of stellar partnerships.
4. **The Reign of “Mayhem”: Album and Ongoing Tour**Lady Gaga’s dominance at the 2025 VMAs isn’t just about a single or a performance; it’s deeply rooted in the resounding success of her latest album, ‘Mayhem.’ This album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after its March release, has clearly captured the public’s imagination and critical acclaim, leading to Gaga’s nomination for Best Album at the VMAs. It’s a true testament to her creative prowess and ability to consistently deliver top-tier musical experiences.
The ‘Mayhem’ era extends far beyond the album itself, as Gaga is currently in the midst of her highly anticipated ‘Mayhem Ball’ tour. Kicking off mid-July in Las Vegas, the tour is a grand spectacle that perfectly complements the album’s bombastic energy. Fans have been flocking to see Mother Monster live, experiencing the queen of pop bombast dial everything up to eleven, as described in reviews of the album.
The tour schedule is packed, with stops in major cities across North America, including Miami, New York City, Toronto, and Chicago, before Gaga hops the pond for international legs in cities like London, Milan, and Barcelona. This global trek showcases her incredible stamina and dedication to her craft, bringing the ‘Mayhem’ experience directly to her loyal fanbase. The success of the album and the tour undoubtedly contribute to the immense buzz surrounding her VMA return.
5. **A Glimpse Back: Her Last VMA Performance with Ariana Grande**While we’re all looking forward to Gaga’s monumental return, it’s worth taking a trip down memory lane to her last VMA performance, which took place five years ago in 2020. That year, she delivered an unforgettable medley of ‘Chromatica’ songs, sharing the stage with none other than superstar Ariana Grande. The performance was a dazzling display of their combined talents, a vibrant highlight of what was, for many, a very challenging year.
That night was incredibly successful for both artists. Gaga and Grande performed their chart-topping dance-pop track “Rain on Me,” a collaboration that went on to win Song of the Year. Gaga herself also had a triumphant evening, being awarded Artist of the Year, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the music industry. It was a powerful demonstration of her ability to captivate an audience, even under unusual circumstances.
It’s important to remember that the 2020 VMAs were a Covid-era, audience-less event, making Gaga and Grande’s performance even more impactful as it brought much-needed energy and glamour to screens worldwide. This contrast with the anticipated 2025 VMAs, which promises to be a full-scale spectacle, only heightens the excitement for what Gaga will deliver this time. Her past performance set a high bar, and we know she’s ready to exceed it.
6. **Iconic Moments: Gaga’s Unforgettable VMA Legacy**Lady Gaga’s relationship with the MTV VMAs is legendary, spanning years of groundbreaking performances and fashion statements that have indelibly shaped pop culture. She already boasts an impressive 18 VMAs, but it’s her truly iconic moments on the ceremony’s stage that fans and critics will never, ever forget. These aren’t just performances; they’re historical markers of artistic audacity and innovation.
Who could possibly forget her debut VMA performance of “Paparazzi” in 2009? It was a stunning, blood-soaked spectacle that left everyone talking and instantly established her as an artist who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. That performance wasn’t just a moment in a show; it was a declaration of a new era in pop music, cementing her place as a fearless visionary from the very beginning of her career.
And then, of course, there’s the infamous meat dress from the 2010 show. It was a fashion statement that ignited global conversation, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about outfits in awards show history. These moments, whether through shocking visuals or profound artistic statements, underscore Gaga’s consistent ability to captivate, challenge, and ultimately, transcend the traditional boundaries of celebrity and performance. Her VMA legacy is truly unparalleled.
7. **The Mayhem Ball Twist: Performance Venue Mystery Solved**In true Lady Gaga fashion, her VMA return comes with an intriguing twist that only adds to the excitement! While the 2025 MTV VMAs are officially set to invade New York’s UBS Arena, Little Monsters might not see Mother Monster physically there. This is because Gaga has a ‘Mayhem Ball’ concert scheduled for the exact same night, September 7th, at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Talk about a busy schedule!
Given this exciting conflict, it’s highly probable that her VMA performance will take place live from Madison Square Garden, rather than the not-so-nearby UBS Arena. MTV and CBS have both teased the “MAYHEM” that will be caused, implying that they are fully embracing this unique situation. This clever arrangement allows Gaga to participate in both high-profile events, delivering her electrifying performance directly from her ongoing tour.
This innovative solution speaks volumes about Gaga’s dedication to her fans and the VMAs’ commitment to featuring their most nominated artist. It ensures that fans get to experience her performance, whether she’s at the main arena or captivating an audience from another iconic New York venue. It’s an exclusive glimpse into her ‘Mayhem Ball’ tour, broadcast directly to VMA viewers, ensuring no one misses a second of her return to the VMA stage. What an exciting way to integrate her tour with the awards show!”
8. **The Stellar Lineup: Who Else is Hitting the Stage?**Lady Gaga might be leading the pack, but the 2025 MTV VMAs are absolutely bursting with a constellation of other incredible artists set to deliver show-stopping performances! Get ready, because the stage isn’t just for Mother Monster; it’s a vibrant tapestry of talent featuring some of the biggest names in music right now. This year’s lineup promises to be one of the most diverse and electrifying in VMA history.
We’re talking about chart-toppers like Sabrina Carpenter, who made a memorable debut performance at the VMAs last year, taking home Song of the Year, and is now returning to perform her hit “Manchild.” Then there’s the fierce Doja Cat, set to deliver the first-ever televised performance of her new single “Jealous Type.” And who could forget Post Malone, a six-time VMA winner, who always brings his unique blend of artistry and charisma to the stage?
But the star power doesn’t stop there! Prepare for the soulful sounds of Jelly Roll, who’s not only performing but also competing for the first time in four categories. Tate McRae, another exciting talent, is also making her performance debut on the VMA stage with four first-time nominations herself, including Song of the Year and Best Pop Artist. We’ll also see performances from J Balvin, who’s performing “Zun Zun” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, and “Noventa” with producer DJ Snake, guaranteeing an epic dose of Latin fire!
9. **Honoring Icons: The Video Vanguard and New Visionary Awards**Beyond the fierce competition and incredible performances, the MTV VMAs have a long-standing tradition of recognizing artists who have profoundly shaped music and culture, and this year is no exception! Get ready to celebrate some true legends, as the 2025 ceremony is set to honor three iconic figures with groundbreaking awards that speak volumes about their enduring impact on the entertainment world.
The legendary Mariah Carey is set to receive the highly coveted Video Vanguard Award, a testament to her unparalleled career and revolutionary contributions to music videos. Mimi herself will be gracing us with a special performance, a medley of her greatest hits, which is practically a masterclass in pop music history! This award places her among an elite group of recipients like Shakira, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Madonna, truly cementing her status as an all-time icon.
What a ride! From Lady Gaga’s electrifying return and record-shattering nominations to a dazzling lineup of performers, iconic honorees, and groundbreaking new categories, the 2025 MTV VMAs are shaping up to be an absolutely unmissable event. With LL Cool J at the helm, a week of non-stop music video nostalgia, and more ways than ever to watch and even vote, this year’s ceremony is truly pulling out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable night of music, fashion, and pure pop culture magic. Get ready, because September 7th is going to be epic!
