Lady Gaga Set to Return to MTV VMAs Stage with “Mayhem Ball” Energy
Pop icon Lady Gaga, affectionately known as Mother Monster, is set to make a spectacular return to the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) stage on Sunday, September 7, 2025. After a five-year hiatus from performing at the prestigious event, the news, officially confirmed by the MTV VMAs Instagram account on Saturday, August 30, has ignited immense excitement among fans and industry observers alike. The announcement, which promised “magic in the air” and a “return you won’t want to miss,” hints at a truly unforgettable night where Gaga will “wreak mayhem.”
Gaga Dominates Nominations with “Mayhem” Album
At 39 years old, Gaga enters the 2025 VMAs as the most nominated artist, a testament to her continued artistic power and influence. She leads the pack with an impressive 12 nominations, including highly coveted categories such as Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her acclaimed album, Mayhem. Her visually striking music video for “Abracadabra” also garnered significant recognition, securing nods for Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography. This marks a significant moment for the artist, who previously graced the VMA stage in 2020 for a virtually broadcast performance with Ariana Grande. Their hit “Rain on Me” from the Chromatica album earned Song of the Year, and Gaga herself was crowned Artist of the Year during that ceremony. Prior to that, her last appearance as a performer was in 2013.
“Die with a Smile” – A Chart-Topping Collaboration
Further solidifying her stellar year, Gaga’s electrifying duet with Bruno Mars, “Die with a Smile,” has also received significant acclaim. The collaboration is nominated in four major categories: Best Pop, Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year. Bruno Mars himself is a formidable contender, having secured 11 nominations, reflecting the widespread success and critical adoration of their joint effort.
The Mayhem Ball Tour: Global Phenomenon
The VMA performance comes amidst Lady Gaga’s bustling “The Mayhem Ball Tour,” which has been captivating audiences across the globe. Her North American leg includes upcoming stops in major cities like Miami, New York, Chicago, and Toronto, before she takes the tour to Europe from late September through November.
Earlier in 2025, Gaga showcased tracks from her latest album at the renowned Coachella festival in April and made headlines with a record-breaking free concert on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach on May 3, further underscoring her global appeal and performance prowess.
Star-Studded Lineup for 2025 MTV VMAs
The 2025 MTV VMAs promise an evening packed with star power beyond Gaga’s highly anticipated set. The roster of performers includes a diverse array of talent such as Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Sombr, Alex Warren, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Busta Rhymes, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray, and Tate McRae. A special highlight of the night will be the legendary Mariah Carey, who is slated to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award and will deliver a “show-stopping, career-spanning medley of her biggest hits.”
Tune In: How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs
Hosted live from the UBS Arena in New York, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air concurrently on CBS and MTV on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET. Viewers will also have the option to stream the entire star-studded ceremony live on Paramount+.
