The MTV Video Music Awards have always thrived on spectacle, but this year the drama extends beyond the stage. With Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar all in the running for major trophies, the 2025 show could see the record books rewritten.
Taylor Swift Extending Her Lead
Swift enters the ceremony as the all-time leader in VMA wins with 30 statues already on her shelf. Another victory, she’s nominated for Artist of the Year among other categories, would move her total to 31, stretching the gap between her and every other performer in MTV history.
It’s a continuation of her dominance at the awards, where she’s swept categories ranging from Video of the Year to Best Pop. For Swifties, the only question left is how high she’ll set the bar.
Lady Gaga’s High-Stakes Night
If anyone can keep pace with Swift, it’s Gaga. She currently sits at 18 career VMAs, but with 12 nominations this year, she could leap all the way to 30. That would tie her with Swift and cement her as one of the show’s defining figures.
There’s also a chance she breaks Peter Gabriel’s long-standing record for most wins in a single night. Gabriel took home 10 trophies in 1987, a feat untouched for nearly four decades. A Gaga sweep would not only tie Swift but also give her bragging rights as the queen of the one-night haul.
Kendrick Lamar vs. Eminem
On the rap side, Kendrick Lamar is aiming for history of his own. With 8 career VMAs, he’s far behind Eminem’s total of 15. But Lamar has 10 nominations this year, giving him a shot at surpassing Slim Shady as the most-awarded male artist in the show’s history.
Whether that leap is possible depends on how categories shake out, but the matchup adds extra intrigue for hip-hop fans.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the competitive spirit, the potential milestones underscore the VMAs’ role in shaping pop culture lore. Swift’s continued dominance, Gaga’s chance to match her, and Lamar’s push for male supremacy all make this year’s ceremony more than just a flashy performance showcase.
One thing is certain: the 2025 VMAs are less about who performs the wildest stunt on stage and more about which superstar gets to walk away as the night’s ultimate record-breaker.
