The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards just got bigger. MTV added five performers — including Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Jelly Roll, and Conan Gray — ahead of the show airing live on Sept. 7 from New York’s UBS Arena. It’s the VMAs’ first time on the CBS Television Network, simulcasting on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S., with LL Cool J hosting. Expect first-time main stage debuts, a new live premiere from Doja Cat, and returning heavyweights — plus special honors for Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin. Here’s what’s new and why it matters.
Need to know
- MTV adds Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray on Aug. 26.
- VMAs air live Sept. 7, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from UBS Arena on CBS, MTV, Paramount+ (U.S.).
- LL Cool J hosts; Mariah Carey gets Video Vanguard; Ricky Martin earns first Latin Icon.
- Doja Cat debuts “Jealous Type”; Conan Gray performs “Vodka Cranberry”; Post Malone returns since 2018.
- Jelly Roll scores four nods; Tate McRae lands four first-time nominations.
- Social-category nominees drop Aug. 29; more performers were previously announced.
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Airing on CBS for the first time gives the VMAs a broader broadcast footprint while keeping MTV’s core audience via simulcast and Paramount+ streaming. The new slate blends chart-toppers and first-time main‑stage acts, aiming to spark both ratings and social buzz just days before Labor Day weekend’s end. The network move, a fresh host in LL Cool J, and high-profile honors for Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Ricky Martin set up a bigger tent for pop, hip‑hop, and Latin viewers alike.
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The additions balance novelty and nostalgia. Doja Cat leverages a first live performance of “Jealous Type” to launch her Sept. 26 album, while Post Malone’s first VMAs performance since 2018 taps crossover country momentum via “Pour Me A Drink.” Tate McRae and Conan Gray mark main-stage moments that court Gen Z; Jelly Roll arrives with multi-genre nominations, reflecting the show’s expanding stylistic range. Together, the five form a programming hedge: viral choreography, rock-rap energy, pop spectacle, and country-crossover appeal.
The numbers that change the game
Metric Value + Unit Event/Date Change/Impact New performers added 5 artists Announced Aug 26, 2025 Expands main lineup for live show Air date & time Sept 7, 8 p.m. ET CBS/MTV, Paramount+ (U.S.) VMAs on CBS for the first time Jelly Roll nominations 4 categories 2025 VMAs First-ever Moon Person within reach Post Malone career nominations 20 total Through 2025 Returns to VMAs stage since 2018 Tate McRae first-time nods 4 nominations 2025 VMAs Includes Song of the Year, Best Pop Doja Cat album release Sept 26, 2025 New album “Vie” Debuts “Jealous Type” live at VMAs
How to watch Sept 7: time, channel, streaming details to know
The VMAs air live from UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Viewers in the U.S. can tune in on CBS, catch the simulcast on MTV, or stream via Paramount+ (availability per subscription). Expect performances from the new additions plus previously announced acts including Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin, Sombr, and Alex Warren. With Mariah Carey set for the Video Vanguard performance — alongside inaugural honors for Busta Rhymes (Rock the Bells Visionary) and Ricky Martin (Latin Icon) — plan for multiple must-see moments across pop, hip‑hop, and Latin music.
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/music/news/doja-cat-post-malone-tate-mcrae-2025-mtv-vmas-1236498633/
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/2025-mtv-vmas-conan-gray-doja-cat-tate-mcrae-performing-1235415543/
- https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-vmas-performers-jelly-roll-doja-cat-post-malone-added-1236051748/
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.