Every Record That Could Be Broken At The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are almost here, and this year’s ceremony promises not just electrifying performances and viral moments but also the chance for some of music’s biggest stars to make history. As the awards return on September 7, VegasInsider.com has sent The Blast a compiled list of over 20 records that could be broken at the show, from Lady Gaga chasing Peter Gabriel’s all-time single-night record to Taylor Swift extending her reign as the most decorated artist in VMA history. With so many milestones in play, the night is shaping up to be one of the most record-breaking ceremonies in the show’s four-decade history. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest storylines to watch at the 2025 VMAs.

Two of pop’s biggest icons are poised to dominate the headlines. Taylor Swift already holds the record as the most awarded artist in VMA history with 30 trophies. If she wins Artist of the Year again, which would mark her third consecutive victory in the category, she’ll extend her all-time total to 31.

On the other side, Lady Gaga has the potential for a truly historic night. With 18 VMAs already to her name, she’s nominated for an impressive 12 awards this year. If she wins them all, she could:

• Tie Swift’s all-time record at 30 wins.
• Surpass Madonna (20 wins) and potentially match or top Beyoncé (28 wins).
• Break Peter Gabriel’s record for most wins in one night. Gabriel won 10 in 1987, but Gaga could snag 12 in 2025.

Gaga also has the chance to become one of only a handful of artists to win Video of the Year more than once if “Die With A Smile” takes the top prize.

The hip-hop categories will be some of the most competitive this year, and both Kendrick Lamar and Eminem have records within reach.

Eminem already holds the title of the most awarded male artist in VMA history with 15 wins. Nominated for three more trophies, he could extend his lead. But Lamar is hot on his heels. With eight VMAs under his belt and 10 nominations this year, Lamar could tie or even surpass Eminem, depending on how the night plays out.

Lamar is also vying for Video of the Year with “Not Like Us.” If he wins, he’ll become the first male artist to win three times in the category, joining Taylor Swift (5), and solidifying his place among the show’s most dominant performers.

It’s not just the pop stars making waves, several legendary bands and genre-bending artists could etch their names deeper into VMA history.

Green Day could tie R.E.M. as the most awarded group ever if they win Best Rock, bringing their total to 12. Linkin Park is also in the running for Best Rock. If they win with “The Emptiness Machine,” they’ll tie Aerosmith with four victories in the category. Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) has his eyes on Best Alternative. If “Lonely Road” wins, he’ll tie Nirvana’s record of three wins in the category.

These potential wins would cement each act’s place in VMA lore, showing that rock and alternative music still hold a powerful place at the ceremony.

Several younger stars are in position to make history at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Ariana Grande could tie Britney Spears and Taylor Swift for the most Best Pop wins if “Brighter Days Ahead” takes the trophy. She’d also extend her dubious record as the most nominated female in Video of the Year without a win if she comes up short again.

Billie Eilish is chasing multiple milestones: she could become the first artist to win Song of the Year twice with “Birds of a Feather,” and if her collab “Guess” with Charli XCX wins Video for Good, she’ll become the category’s all-time leader with three wins. Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off her 2024 smash “Espresso,” could make history as the first artist to win Song of the Year consecutively if she scores again with “Manchild.”

These potential milestones highlight the generational shift happening at the VMAs, with newer artists standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry veterans.

The VMAs have become increasingly global in recent years, and several international superstars are positioned to make history.

J Balvin could break his tie with Anitta and become the sole leader in Best Latin Video with four wins if “Rio” triumphs.

Lisa could tie BTS with three Best K-Pop wins if “Born Again” wins this year.

The Weeknd is also in contention for multiple records. With “Timeless,” he could become the first male collaboration to win Video of the Year (with Playboi Carti), join the elite group of artists with multiple Video of the Year wins, and secure his third Best R&B Video, breaking his tie with SZA.

These milestones would underscore the VMAs’ evolving role as a global stage for artists far beyond the U.S.

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are stacked with potential milestones across every category, from the headline-grabbing battles between Gaga, Swift, Lamar, and Eminem to the genre-defining moments for rock, Latin, and K-Pop artists. With more than 20 records on the line, this year’s ceremony could go down as one of the most historic in VMA history.