Any questions about how ‘80s-influenced Doja Cat’s next chapter will be were laid to rest within the opening minutes of the 2025 MTV VMAs: After being introduced first by LL Cool J and then a Max Headroom-influenced video, and then a sax intro from ’80s icon Kenny G, she opened the show with a performance of her new single, “Jealous Type,” delivered on a hilariously over the top ‘80s-inspired set, complete with pink flourishes, squiggles and black and white checkered floor, a keytar and Kangol-clad dancers.
It actually perfect for the VMAs, as it reflects the channel’s earliest videos.
Doja’s fifth album, “Vie,” will be released on Sept. 26. She last released the full-length studio album “Scarlet” in Sept. 2023. The project, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, spawned a pair of massive singles — “Paint the Town Red” and “Agora Hills” — that peaked at Nos. 1 and 7 on the Hot 100, respectively. Last October, she kicked off her international Scarlet Tour in San Francisco on Halloween night, which continued globally before capping off at London’s Finsbury Park on July 14.
Musical performances for the VMAs are set to come from Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, Conan Gray, Doja Cat, J Balvin, DJ Snake, Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt and Tate McRae. Additionally, Bailey Zimmerman and The Kid Laroi, Lola Young and Megan Moroney will be performing on the Extended Play stage.
Presenters for the show are set to include Alix Earle, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, Latto, Lenny Kravitz, Livvy Dunne, Luke Grimes, Malin Akerman, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser, Paris Hilton and Rosé.
Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, Rosé and Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Weeknd and Playboi Carti are all vying for Video of the Year.
