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The full performer list
MTV’s consolidated performers page for the 2025 ceremony is the most complete roster source. The table below reproduces every name it lists, along with any stage label that MTV or Paramount attached to that artist. Where neither source assigned a stage, the table says so.
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| Artist | Stage or segment as stated |
|---|---|
| Alex Warren | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Bailey Zimmerman (featuring the Kid LAROI) | Extended Play Stage, per Paramount’s September 2, 2025 release |
| Conan Gray | Extended Play Stage, per MTV’s performer page |
| DJ Snake | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Doja Cat | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| J Balvin | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Jelly Roll | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Joe Perry and Steven Tyler | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| KATSEYE | Pre-show, per Paramount’s September 2, 2025 release |
| Lady Gaga | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Lola Young | Extended Play Stage, per MTV and Paramount |
| Megan Moroney | Extended Play Stage, per MTV and Paramount |
| Nuno Bettencourt | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Post Malone | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Sabrina Carpenter | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| sombr | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| Tate McRae | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
| The Kid LAROI | Extended Play Stage, per MTV’s performer page |
| YUNGBLUD | Not stated in MTV’s performer list |
The “not stated” entries mean the official roster names the artist without placing them on a particular stage. They do not mean those artists were absent from the main show or the pre-show; readers should check a broadcast listing or recap for the running order.
Honorees who also performed, and the host
Three award recipients appeared as performers on the 2025 show. MTV’s page identifies them with their honors:
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- Mariah Carey, Video Vanguard Award
- Busta Rhymes, Rock the Bells Visionary Award
- Ricky Martin, Latin Icon Award
LL COOL J was the host. He appears in MTV’s materials as host, not as a performer, so he is not part of the performer count above.
The pre-show and the presenter list
KATSEYE was the one act announced for the pre-show rather than the main ceremony. Paramount’s September 2, 2025 release said the group would perform live on the pre-show at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT on September 7. The one-hour special was hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney. The same release named the group’s song “Gnarley” and “Gabriela” from the EP Beautiful Chaos in connection with the group’s segment.
That release also listed presenters, a separate group from performers: Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, EJAE, REI AMI, Audrey Nuna, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Livvy Dunne, Malin Ackerman, Meg Stalter, Nikki Glaser, and Paris Hilton. Being named as a presenter does not mean an artist performed.
The Extended Play Stage: two lists that do not match
The Extended Play Stage was a segment of the main show, and Paramount’s September 2 release said it moved in-show for the first time. The two official sources do not agree on its membership:
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- MTV’s performer page labels Conan Gray, Lola Young, Megan Moroney, and The Kid LAROI as Extended Play Stage acts.
- Paramount’s release places Bailey Zimmerman featuring The Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney on the stage.
Lola Young and Megan Moroney appear in both lists. Conan Gray appears only in MTV’s, and Bailey Zimmerman appears only in Paramount’s. The Kid LAROI is on both lists, though Paramount credits him as a featured artist on Zimmerman’s segment. No single official source resolves the difference, so the safest reading is that these acts were assigned to the Extended Play Stage, with the exact segment-by-segment assignment best confirmed against a full broadcast listing.
How the 2025 ceremony was broadcast
Paramount’s August 26, 2025 release set the broadcast terms. The ceremony aired live from UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on CBS, with a simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the United States. Under the terms announced for that year, Paramount+ Premium subscribers could stream the live show through their local CBS affiliate feed and on demand, while Essential subscribers got on-demand access the day after the special aired. These were the arrangements for the 2025 broadcast only, and later distribution may differ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources used for this lineup
- MTV’s official 2025 VMAs performers page, which is the primary roster source and identifies the host and honorees.
- Paramount Press Express release of August 21, 2025, announcing Mariah Carey’s award and performance.
- Paramount Press Express release of August 26, 2025, adding later performers and setting the broadcast details.
- Paramount Press Express release of September 2, 2025, covering the pre-show, presenters, and the Extended Play Stage.
Earlier first-round announcements were not checked against the official releases, so this list reflects the later, consolidated roster. Any artist not appearing here was not on MTV’s official performer list as of these releases.
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