First MTV VMA Performers Include Sabrina, Busta

Busta Rhymes onstage at the BET Awards 2023 in Los Angeles (photo: Paras Griffin / Getty Images for BET).

Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter and sombr are the first performers set for the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, which will be held Sept. 7 at Long Island, N.Y.’s USB Arena and broadcast live on CBS.

Rhymes will receive the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award for his decades-long career in hip-hop, while Martin will be honored with the first Latin Icon award 26 years after dominating the VMAs in 1999.

Balvin will pull double duty on stage with fellow Latin artists Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez and then will team with DJ Snake for the live debut of their new song, “Noventa.” LL Cool J will host the proceedings.

Lady Gaga (12), Bruno Mars (11) and Kendrick Lamar (10) lead the nominee field.  Other acts recognized multiple times include Carpenter (8), Ariana Grande and the Weeknd (7), Billie Eilish (6), Charli xcx (5), Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Tate McRae (4 each).

Fan voting is underway in 19 categories through Sept. 5, with Best New Artist remaining open for submissions once the broadcast begins.