Rap legend LL Cool J born James Todd Smith and famously known as “Ladies Love Cool James” will return to one of music’s biggest stages as host of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. The ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, September 7, live from the UBS Arena in New York.
The announcement came Thursday, marking a high-profile return for the hip-hop icon, who last appeared at the VMAs in 2022 as a co-emcee alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. LL Cool J’s relationship with the VMAs runs deep he made history in 1997 as the first rapper to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, cementing his place in the show’s legacy.
This year, the 56-year-old star will not only take on hosting duties but will also be a contender himself. He’s nominated in the Best Hip-Hop category for “Murdergram Deux” a high-energy collaboration with Eminem from his latest album The Force. The nomination reflects LL Cool J’s staying power in a genre he helped pioneer nearly four decades ago.
While LL Cool J is best known for his groundbreaking music career, he’s no stranger to front-and-center hosting roles. He famously led Lip Sync Battle for five seasons on Paramount, turning the celebrity-driven competition into a pop culture phenomenon. His on-screen charisma also shines in his long-running role on NCIS: Los Angeles, proving his ability to connect with audiences across genres and formats.
This year’s VMAs mark a pivotal moment for MTV’s flagship event. In addition to airing live on MTV and streaming on Paramount+, the awards show will, for the first time, be broadcast on CBS a move that could dramatically expand its audience.
The shift comes amid changing television viewership trends. In 2024, MTV averaged just 169,000 viewers, ranking 55th among Nielsen’s 153 measured TV channels, while CBS maintained a strong second-place position with an average of 3.9 million viewers. By tapping into CBS’s broader reach, MTV could be positioning the VMAs for a resurgence in cultural impact and ratings.
This year’s nominations list reads like a who’s who of the music industry. Lady Gaga leads the pack with 12 nominations, closely followed by Bruno Mars her “Die With a Smile” duet partner — with 11. Other top contenders include Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus, and Tate McRae.
With categories spanning pop, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and emerging talent, the 2025 VMAs promise heated competition and headline-worthy performances. As always, the show will feature surprise appearances and live collaborations, many of which remain under wraps until show night.
In the weeks leading up to the event, MTV is expected to roll out additional announcements, including the full list of performers, presenters, and special tributes. For LL Cool J, the night represents both a celebration of his legacy and a chance to usher in a new era for one of music’s most iconic award shows.
The 2025 MTV VMAs air Sunday, September 7, live from UBS Arena on MTV and streaming on Paramount+, with a simultaneous broadcast on CBS.