Let’s not pretend this isn’t the category everyone cares about. “Song of the Year” at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is absolutely stacked; and the range is wild. Sad bops? Got ‘em. Chaotic synth spirals? Check. Dramatic duets with a hint of doom? You bet.
This year’s nominees aren’t just hits… they’re mood-setters, memory-makers, and in some cases, emotional attacks we were not prepared for. It’s a full playlist of “Yep, I felt that,” and picking a winner? Not easy. But we can break down each one and give them their moment to shine.
So, here’s every nominee in the category and their song’s official music video so you can replay your faves while panic-voting.
Alex Warren – ‘Ordinary’
This one’s soft, sad, and surprisingly addictive. “Ordinary” taps into that very specific fear of not being enough… and makes it sound like a lullaby you didn’t know you needed. It’s the underdog pick, and honestly? Kind of a dark horse.
Billie Eilish – ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’
Billie’s in her delicate, devastating era. Again. This one’s ethereal and full of ache, like floating through a dream that might also be a breakup. Peak Billie.
Doechii – ‘Anxiety’
Unapologetic, genre-fluid, and loud in all the right ways. “Anxiety” doesn’t shy away from the messy stuff; it leans in. Doechii turned a panic spiral into a power anthem. We’re here for it.
Ed Sheeran – ‘Sapphire’
He’s back with the kind of romantic drama only Ed can serve. “Sapphire” is tender and polished, like a love letter wrapped in a movie score.
Gracie Abrams – ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’
Gracie said “emotional damage,” and we said “thank you.” This track feels like that text you never sent and probably still shouldn’t. Soft, wrecking, gorgeous.
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – ‘Die with a Smile’
Gaga and Bruno walked into a studio and said, “What if disco was about mortality?” It’s campy, catchy, and weirdly uplifting for a song about dying.
Lorde – ‘What Was That’
Peak post-midnight spiral energy. It’s chaotic, synthy, and sounds like rereading old messages you definitely shouldn’t. Weird? Yes. Addictive? Also yes.
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – ‘APT.’
Smoky, sultry, and slow-burning. This one feels like late-night secrets and maybe a bad idea or two. ROSÉ and Bruno have wild chemistry and the vocals to match.
Tate McRae – ‘Sports Car’
Breakup anthem with main character energy. It’s glossy pop with real feelings underneath; and the perfect track for pretending your Honda Civic is a Porsche.
The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – ‘Timeless’
Futuristic, dreamy, a little unhinged… in a good way. The Weeknd and Carti gave us moody luxury space vibes, and we’re not mad at it.
When to Watch & How to Vote
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards air Tuesday, September 9 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV, with streaming available on Paramount+. So yes, you can catch it live or scream at the rerun; your choice.
This year’s VMA categories include the big ones like Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Collaboration, and the brand-new Best Pop Artist category. But there’s also a Best Award for a bunch of different genres (i.e. Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, K-Pop, Latin, Country, Afrobeats, and Alternative) up for grabs too.
So yeah, there’s a lot to vote on; and plenty of fan-favorite chaos ahead. Get your daily votes in at vote.mtv.com, then grab your snacks and prepare to scream at your TV when the results drop. It’s the VMAs. Drama is guaranteed.
