VMAs Ratings Skyrocket After CBS Transition: What This Means for Fans!

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) saw a big boost in viewership after moving to CBS. This year’s show, which aired on CBS for the first time, drew 5.5 million viewers—up 42% compared to previous broadcasts. This is the highest audience in six years.

The average viewership across MTV and other Paramount channels for the 2024 telecast hit 4.09 million. In contrast, the earlier comparable number was 3.91 million, showing a steady growth in interest. CBS, with its vast reach to about 125 million homes, gave the VMAs a much larger platform than MTV, which is available in about half that number of households.

The 2025 VMAs also came in strong, registering as CBS’s most-watched entertainment special since the Grammy Awards earlier in the year. Despite fierce competition from a thrilling NFL game where the Buffalo Bills pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Baltimore Ravens, viewers tuned in. The match ended with a nail-biting final score of 41-40, showcasing the fierce competition for audience attention.

This year’s VMAs highlighted impressive talent: Lady Gaga took home artist of the year along with three other awards. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter also shone brightly, each winning three awards. Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” claimed the video of the year title, while Carpenter’s album, Short n’ Sweet, was named album of the year.

Hosting the event was LL Cool J, a familiar face for CBS viewers. He has ties to the network through his appearances on shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaiʻi. As a pioneering rapper and former MTV star, his hosting role brought significant excitement to the show.

Recent trends show a growing interest in live award shows, particularly with younger audiences. According to a 2023 survey by Nielsen, 68% of 18-34-year-olds stated they prefer live events to pre-recorded shows. This interest shift could be influencing viewership numbers positively, bringing more eyes to platforms like CBS. The VMAs, while historically showcasing music, now serve as a cultural crossroads, reflecting changing tastes and media consumption habits.

For more detailed insights into the evolving landscape of music awards and audience demographics, you can check the Nielsen’s latest report [here](https://www.nielsen.com).

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