On August 5, the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 (VMAs) revealed its official nomination list, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and buzzworthy award seasons in recent memory. At the heart of this year’s excitement is none other than BLACKPINK, as all four members have secured individual nominations — a rare feat that’s sending shockwaves through the K-pop community.

BLACKPINK VMAs 2025woman' 'blonde' 'hair' 't' 'shirt' 'photographs' 'wall.

The Best K-pop category, in particular, has become the epicenter of fan fervor. With Jennie (like JENNIE), Jisoo (earthquake), Lisa (Born Again ft. Doja Cat & Raye), and Rosé (Toxic Till the End) all competing, the category is essentially an intra-BLACKPINK battle. Despite other strong contenders like aespa and Stray Kids, the spotlight is squarely on the girl group turned solo giants.

BLACKPINK VMAs 2025people' 'fashion' 'sunglasses' 'retro' 'pearls.

The 2025 VMAs, known for being fan-voted, are shaping up to be a digital battleground among BLINKs, each sub-fandom rallying behind their favorite member.

But while the group clash in one category, Rosé has emerged as a solo powerhouse, racking up an impressive eight nominations, including the prestigious Video of the Year for her track APT., a global sensation co-produced with Bruno Mars.

BLACKPINK VMAs 2025people' 'singing' 'stage' 'leather' 'jacket' 'microphone.

The song’s success, however, hasn’t come without debate. Critics argue APT.’s American appeal leans heavily on Bruno Mars’s influence, and some even rate Jennie’s RUBY higher in terms of overall album quality. Still, Rosé’s chart performance speaks for itself — she leads the VMAs leaderboard among Korean artists this year.

Elsewhere, Lady Gaga dominates the field with 12 nominations, thanks to her genre-blending comeback album MAYHEM, while Bruno Mars shines in both solo and collaborative efforts, appearing across multiple top-tier categories.

BLACKPINK VMAs 2025person' '' 'ady' '' 'aga' 'white' 'gown' 'lace' '' '.

The VMAs 2025 also highlight female domination across categories, with stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift stacking up major nods. Among male artists, Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd are set to give Bruno Mars a run for his money.

The MTV VMAs 2025 will be held on September 7 at UBS Arena, New York, and fans across the globe are already gearing up for what could be one of the most dramatic and unforgettable ceremonies yet.

Highlighted List of MTV VMAs 2025 Nominations

Video of the Year

  • Ariana Grande – Brighter Days Ahead
  • Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  • Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
  • Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
  • ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.
  • Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
  • The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless

Artist of the Year

  • Bad Bunny
  • Beyoncé
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Taylor Swift
  • The Weeknd

Song of the Year

  • Alex Warren – Ordinary
  • Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  • Doechii – Anxiety
  • Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
  • Gracie Abrams – I Love You, I’m Sorry
  • Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
  • Lorde – What Was That
  • ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.
  • Tate McRae – Sports Car
  • The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – Timeless

Best New Artist

  • Alex Warren
  • Ella Langley
  • Gigi Perez
  • Lola Young
  • Sombr
  • The Marías

Best Pop Artist (New 2025 Category)

  • Ariana Grande
  • Charli XCX
  • Justin Bieber
  • Lorde
  • Miley Cyrus
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae

Best Collaboration

  • Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs – Backup Plan
  • Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther
  • Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
  • Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton – Pour Me A Drink
  • ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.
  • Selena Gomez & benny blanco – Sunset Blvd

Best K-pop

  • aespa – Whiplash
  • Jennie – like JENNIE
  • Jimin – Who
  • Jisoo – earthquake
  • Lisa ft. Doja Cat & Raye – Born Again
  • Stray Kids – Chk Chk Boom
  • ROSÉ – Toxic Till the End

Sources: kenh14