Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 8, 2025 · Entertainment

The Ultimate Music Awards: Who Took Home the Gold?

Doja Cat kicked off the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in style with a performance of her latest single Jealous Type that featured plenty of style direct from the 1980s

THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE: THE MOST ANTICIPATED MUSIC AWARDS OF THE YEAR!

The music industry's biggest night is just around the corner, and we've got all the juicy details for you! The Scholary Note has scooped up the latest news on the nominees, performers, and surprises that will make this year's ceremony one to remember.

THE NOMINEES: WHO'S IN THE RUNNING?

The 29-year-old rapper and singer put on a sizzling display that showcased her shockingly flexible figure. At one point, Doja writhed about on the stage floor as she bent her leg back directly over her head in a particularly sultry display

The nominees for the music awards were announced recently, and let us tell you, it's a who's who of talent! From pop sensations to rock legends, each category is packed with incredible artists vying for the top spot. Our sources close to the industry reveal that some of the most notable nominees include:

  • Pop songstress Sabrina Carpenter who's up for Best Female Artist and Album of the Year
  • Rock icon Machine Gun Kelly who's nominated for Best Male Artist and Song of the Year
  • Rising star Tate McRae who's in the running for Best New Artist and Collaboration of the Year

But that's not all, folks! The nominees also include some surprise contenders like indie-rock band Arlo Parks, country-pop sensation Kacey Musgraves, and hip-hop newcomer Yungblud.

The hitmaker heavily leaned on '80s references at the start of her performance, which she introduced in a glitchy video inspired by Max Headroom that lived up to its hacker influences by interrupting the host, LL Cool J

THE PERFORMERS: WHO WILL TAKE THE STAGE?

The music awards are known for their electrifying performances, and this year is no exception! Our insiders have spilled the beans on who will be taking the stage to get the party started. Get ready for:

  • A show-stopping performance by BTS that's sure to break records
  • A high-energy set by Dua Lipa featuring a special guest appearance
  • A heartfelt performance by Taylor Swift celebrating her latest album

As the first notes of Jealous Type began to play, she brought out another figure who rose to prominence in the '80s: controversial smooth jazz icon Kenny G

But don't be surprised if some of these acts also make an appearance in the form of surprise performances or cameos!

THE SURPRISES: WHAT'S IN STORE FOR US?

The music awards are always full of surprises, and this year is no exception! Our sources have hinted at a few curveballs that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for:

He embellished the melody on his soprano saxophone as Doja descended from the heavens on a curving hot pink chaise longue

  • A special tribute performance by Katy Perry honoring a legendary artist
  • A surprise collaboration between Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber
  • A show-stopping finale featuring a medley of hit songs from past winners

But that's not all, folks! Our sources also whisper about a possible record-breaking performance by The Weeknd, a surprising nod to an emerging artist, and even a special appearance by Elton John!

WHO WILL TAKE HOME THE TROPHIES?

The performer showcased her stellar figure in a white crop top that revealed her toned midriff. She paired it with baggy black pants and sleek black vans sneakers

With so many talented artists vying for the top spot, it's anyone's game! Our experts weigh in on who they think will take home the coveted awards. Will Taylor Swift finally break her record and win Album of the Year again? Or will newcomer Tate McRae steal the show with her Best New Artist award?

Stay tuned for our exclusive predictions and analysis, but don't be surprised if your favorite artist pulls off an upset!

WHERE CAN YOU CATCH THE ACTION LIVE?

As backup dancers joined her on the black-and-white checkerboard stage, Doja showed off her best robotic dance moves

The music awards are always a highly anticipated event, and this year is no exception! Mark your calendars for [Date] and tune in to the live broadcast on TheScholarlyNote.com, where you'll get exclusive coverage of all the action. But that's not all - follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes peeks, sneak previews, and real-time updates throughout the ceremony!

SO, WHO'S READY FOR THE MUSIC AWARDS?

With its star-studded lineup, electrifying performances, and record-breaking surprises, this year's music awards are shaping up to be one for the books! Stay tuned for all the juicy details, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes scoops only TheScholarlyNote.com can provide. Who will take home the coveted awards? Will your favorite artist make a comeback or surprise us with a new hit? It's anyone's game at this year's music awards!

The evening's second performance belonged to rising star Lola Young

Don't miss out on all the action - follow us for live updates, sneak peeks, and expert analysis leading up to the big night!

The English singer channeled Amy Winehouse with a soulful rendition of her 2024 Messy, which eschewed a large production in favor of a relaxed performance with her band

She favored casual streetwear, including a baggy jacket decorated with the Union Jack and dark relaxed-fit jeans

Ricky Martin follower her up with a medley of some of his most popular tunes before he was honored with the Latin Icon Award

As he transitioned into performances of Vente Pa' Ca, Maria and La Copa de La Vida, Martin tossed off his white sport coat to reveal his black tank top and rippling biceps

Tate McRae was dressed in little more than white underwear when she took to the stage for a performance that began with a slow, sultry version of her single Revolving Door

The rising star included a medley of her songs What Would You Do? and Sports Car while nearly nude male dancers in black underwear posed like bodybuilders and flung sand from a giant sand pit placed on stage

McRae took a page out of Doja Cat's book by showing off her own flexible figure as she pulled her leg back so that it was nearly perpendicular with her torso

One of the VMAs' most high-profile performances belonged to Busta Rhymes

The rap icon was being honored as the first-ever recipient of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award

He performed a triumphant medley with some of his most iconic songs, including Gimme Some More, Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Touch It, Pass the Courvoisier Part II and A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario

Next up was Sabrina Carpenter, who promoted her new album Man's Best Friend by performing its single Tears

She showed off her sense of humor by emerging from a manhole cover labeled 'SABRINA' onto a stage designed to look like a charmingly dirty New York City alley populated by drag queens and voguing backup dancers

No doubt all eyes will be on Lady Gaga as she is making her long-awaited return to the award show after a five-year absence

The last time Gaga performed at the VMAs, she took the stage with Ariana Grande to perform their chart-topping dance-pop collaboration, Rain On Me, in 2020

Sabrina Carpenter is also set to perform at the event as she will compete against Gaga for top honor Video of the Year for Manchild