Grammy and VMA Award winner LL Cool J has been tapped to host the 2025 MTV VMAs. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, who also is a nominee, will return to host solo after previously serving as co-emcee in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.
The VMAs will air live from New York’s UBS Arena Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on CBS for the first time, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.
LL Cool J has a long history with the VMAs dating back to 1991 when he took home his first Moon Person for Best Rap. He was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.
He’s nominated this year for his single “Murdergram Deaux” (ft. Eminem) in the Best Hip Hop category, from his critically acclaimed 2024 album The Force.
Lady Gaga leads the 2025 field with a dozen noms, followed by Bruno Mars with 11 and Kendrick Lamar with 10. They’re the only performers in the double digits, and this marks the third year that Gaga has led all nominees.
Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter are next with eight each, followed by Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (seven), Billie Eilish (six) and Charli xcx (five), Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Tate McRae have four each
The 2025 VMAs are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Bruce Gillmer, Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski are executive producers. Alicia Portugal is co-executive producer. Jackie Barba is executive in charge of production.
Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.