Pop culture icon Jessica Simpson is set to make a notable return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, officially confirmed as a presenter for the 2025 ceremony taking place on September 7 at New York’s UBS Arena. The singer will share presenting duties with her sister, Ashlee Simpson Ross, adding a touch of family star power to the highly anticipated event that will broadcast live on CBS and MTV.
Simpson joins an impressive lineup of presenters including Ciara, Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Brittany Snow, Malin Akerman, Nikki Glaser, Ice Spice, and Latto, as well as stars from the popular “KPop Demon Hunters” series. Her participation marks a significant re-emergence in prominent music and pop culture events, reinforcing her sustained relevance in the entertainment industry.
Jessica Simpson’s VMA appearance alongside A-list presenters signals her enduring star power in today’s entertainment landscape.
The 2025 VMAs will kick off with a dynamic pre-show at 7 p.m. ET, hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, designed to energize fans before the main ceremony begins at 8 p.m. While Simpson won’t perform this year, K-pop sensation KATSEYE will take the pre-show stage with performances of their hit songs “Gnarly” and “Gabriela,” highlighting MTV’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical talent. The talented group has received nominations in two categories including Best Group and MTV Push Performance of the Year.
The pre-show will air across multiple ViacomCBS networks including MTV, BET, and VH1, maximizing visibility for all participants. Lady Gaga is expected to dominate the night with 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year. LL Cool J, serving as both host and nominee, will guide viewers through the main ceremony, which will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Simpson’s inclusion in the 2025 VMAs reflects MTV’s strategic approach to blend legacy artists with rising stars, creating a multi-generational appeal that spans genres from pop to hip-hop and K-pop. Her appearance alongside her sister adds a nostalgic element for longtime fans while introducing the Simpson family legacy to newer audiences. Following the awards, artists are expected to capitalize on the exposure through social media advertising to boost streaming numbers and engagement. The event provides artists like Simpson valuable opportunities to expand their income streams through merchandise sales and increased streaming visibility.
This carefully crafted lineup demonstrates the network’s continued evolution as a cultural force, bridging established entertainment figures like Simpson with contemporary global phenomena like K-pop, ensuring the 2025 VMAs remain relevant in an ever-changing music landscape.
