Mama Awards Nominations

Introduction: The Return of MAMA to Hong Kong & Its Significance

The MAMA Awards (formerly Mnet Asian Music Awards, now simply MAMA Awards) is one of the most prestigious annual music award shows in Asia. Since its inception in 1999 by CJ ENM, it has become a symbol of recognition in the K-pop / Asian music industry, combining music chart performance, fan engagement, and artistic merit into a single global celebration. ([维基百科][1])

In 2025, MAMA returns to Hong Kong — for the first time since 2018 — with its ceremony scheduled for November 28–29 at the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium (啟德主場館). ([Soompi][2]) The historic return marks a meaningful moment: Hong Kong has hosted multiple MAMA events in the past and is a central hub of K-pop fandom in Asia. ([Soompi][2])

This article dives deep into what we know so far about the 2025 MAMA nominations: how nomination and voting are structured, criteria and weightings, predicted contenders, fan strategy, and what to watch when the full list is officially revealed.

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1. Nomination Criteria & Voting Structure

To understand which artists are likely to be nominated, it’s essential to know the rules and methodology behind MAMA’s selection process.

1.1 Eligibility Period & Data Sources

The eligibility window for works (songs, albums, etc.) is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. ([维基百科][3])
Data sources include:

1. Circle Chart (for streaming, downloads, domestic/global song metrics)
2. Physical album sales
3. Online voting / social media metrics (SNS / X / Twitter)
4. Judges / expert evaluation panels ([维基百科][3])

These combine to form weighted scores that determine nominations and eventual winners. ([维基百科][3])

1.2 Weighted Criteria & Category Differences

MAMA uses different weightings depending on the award category:

Artist of the Year:

Digital performance (Korea + global): 30%
Physical / record sales: 30%
Judges / expert panel: 40% ([维基百科][3])

Song of the Year:

Digital performance (Korea + global): 60%
Judges: 40% ([维基百科][3])

Album of the Year:

Physical sales: 60%
Judges: 40% ([维基百科][3])

Best Music Video / Best Choreography:

100% judged by expert panels (i.e. artistic / creative merit) ([维基百科][3])

Fans’ Choice Categories:

100% decided by fan votes (90% via Mnet Plus; 10% via X / Twitter) ([维基百科][3])

Thus, for major “Daesang” categories (Artist, Song, Album), a balance of commercial performance, fan support, and critical judgment is required. For creativity‐based awards and fan awards, artistic evaluation or pure fan voting becomes dominant.

1.3 Super Fan Program & Its Role

MAMA continues its Super Fan initiative in 2025. ([K-Pop Concerts][4])

Applications opened from August 28 to September 14, 2025 via the Mnet Plus platform. ([K-Pop Concerts][4])
Super Fans serve as representatives of global K-pop fans and help in selecting the Fans’ Choice nominees. ([K-Pop Concerts][4])
These Super Fans may receive special benefits, such as soundcheck access, special ID cards, invitations, and even accommodation privileges in conjunction with the event. ([K-Pop Concerts][4])

This mechanism gives fans a more direct voice in nomination stages (not just final voting), potentially benefiting artists with passionate, well-organized fandoms.

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2. Known Nominees & Media-Reported Contenders

As of October 2025, the full official nomination list hasn’t been confirmed in all categories, but media reports and leaks have published extensive candidate lists. Below are key highlights and strong contenders to watch.

2.1 Highlights from the Media List

An article by Los40 lists many artists considered in nominations for 2025. Some of the standout names:

Jennie (BLACKPINK) leads in reported nominations. ([LOS40][5])
Other BLACKPINK members (Lisa, Rosé, Jisoo) appear in predicted categories. ([LOS40][5])
aespa is strongly represented across dance, song, group categories. ([LOS40][5])
Groups like BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, TXT, ZEROBASEONE also appear frequently in projected lists. ([LOS40][5])
Notable collaborations such as G-Dragon × Anderson .Paak, Rosé × Bruno Mars (“APT”), and others are also on media prediction lists. ([LOS40][5])

Sample Predicted Categories & Nominees from Media

Here are a few examples drawn from Los40 (not yet officially confirmed):

Category	Sample Predicted Nominees / Songs
Best Male Solo / Dance Performance	G-Dragon — “TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)”, j-hope — “MONA LISA” ([LOS40][5])
Best Female Solo / Dance Performance	Jennie — “like JENNIE”, Jisoo — “earthquake”, Karina — “UP” ([LOS40][5])
Best Dance Performance (Male Group)	BOYNEXTDOOR — “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU”, SEVENTEEN — “THUNDER”, RIIZE — “Fly Up” ([LOS40][5])
Best Dance Performance (Female Group)	aespa — “Whiplash”, BLACKPINK — “JUMP”, IVE — “REBEL HEART” ([LOS40][5])
Song of the Year	aespa — “Dirty Work”, BLACKPINK — “JUMP”, BOYNEXTDOOR — “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU” ([LOS40][5])
Album of the Year	aespa — Whiplash, BOYNEXTDOOR — No Genre ([LOS40][5])

Again — these are media predictions, not the official list. But they reflect the prevailing expectations and artist momentum in 2025’s K-pop landscape.

2.2 Patterns & Observations

Jennie’s solo campaign is front and center: The fact that Jennie leads in predicted nominations suggests her solo work this year is being taken very seriously. ([LOS40][5])
Strong showing from girl groups: aespa, BLACKPINK, IVE, (G)I-DLE, BABYMONSTER are often included in predicted female group / performance categories. ([LOS40][5])
Expanding diversity: The list includes not only mainstream names but also rising groups and multiple collaboration projects, hinting at a broader nomination spectrum. ([LOS40][5])
Genre & performance awards matter: Because Best Choreography and Best Music Video are judged purely by artistic merit, some acts with bold visual / stage concepts may have advantages even if their commercial numbers are slightly lower.

2.3 Officially Confirmed Facts

From Wikipedia and official sources:

The theme of the 2025 MAMA is “Hear My Roar: uh-heung” (a Korean expression connoting fun / excitement). ([维基百科][3])
All songs / albums released between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025 are eligible. ([维基百科][3])
The full judging breakdown and weightings are public: data metrics + judges + fan votes (depending on category). ([维基百科][3])
Broadcast / streaming partners: Mnet, TVING, YouTube (Mnet K-POP, M2, etc.), tvN Asia, and in Hong Kong via tvN Asia / TVB Jade / TVB Pearl. ([维基百科][3])

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3. Predictions & Strategic Insights

Given the nomination mechanics and media forecasts, here are some predictions and things to watch out for.

3.1 Likely Domination in Major Categories

Jennie is very likely to secure multiple nominations in big categories (Artist, Song, Dance Performance) given her presence in media prediction lists.
aespa is a perennial contender in performance, song, and group awards.
Established groups like SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN may also secure nods in Artist / Album categories.
Collaborative or cross-genre tracks (e.g. G-Dragon × Anderson .Paak) may become dark horse competitors, especially in performance / choreography awards.

3.2 Close Races & Divided Fan Resources

Artists appearing in multiple categories will force their fandoms to divvy up voting resources.
Those strong in data / sales but with less international fan mobilization might be challenged by artists with fervent, organized global fandoms.
Some niche artists may score high in Best Music Video / Best Choreography categories even without dominating commercial charts.

3.3 Possible Surprises

A mid-tier or rising act with a viral release might land a nomination if their fan base is extremely active.
A visually bold or experimental video / choreo could clean up in judged (non-voting) categories.
The Super Fan mechanism may tilt nomination lists slightly in favor of artists with globally distributed fans.

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4. Fan Voting Strategy & Engagement

If you’re a fan or part of a fandom group, here’s how to maximize your influence.

4.1 Understand Voting Platforms & Periods

Voting will be conducted via Mnet Plus for many categories; watch for official opening and closing dates. ([维基百科][3])
For Fans’ Choice categories, votes are 90% via Mnet Plus and 10% via X / Twitter. ([维基百科][3])
Pay attention to rules (e.g. daily vote caps, time windows).
Be ready: set reminders and encourage coordinated voting.

4.2 Organizational Tips for Fandoms

Assign voting “shifts” across time zones to cover all windows.
Share tutorials / how-to guides (screenshots, videos) to help casual fans vote correctly.
Use social media to call for support in critical hours.
Track daily vote counts (if visible) and reallocate efforts as needed.

4.3 Maintaining Legitimacy & Fairness

Never use bots, spam scripts, or unauthorized vote manipulation — such actions may lead to disqualification or penalties.
Stay updated on official announcements to catch rule changes or platform disruptions early.

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5. Ticketing, Broadcast, and What to Expect on the Night

Because MAMA 2025 is being held in a large new venue, many fans are also planning how to watch live or attend.

5.1 Venue & Tickets

The stadium (Kai Tak Stadium) can host approximately 50,000 people. ([Soompi][2])
Tickets likely include general admission, VIP / premium packages, and possibly fan club / catering packages.
Early/fan club presales may open ahead of public sales.
Fans should closely monitor official ticket outlets to avoid scams or secondary market issues.

5.2 Broadcast & Streaming

Live broadcast & streaming will be enabled via Mnet, TVING, YouTube (Mnet K-POP, M2, etc.), and partner broadcasters. ([维基百科][3])
In Hong Kong, channels such as tvN Asia, TVB Jade, TVB Pearl are expected to carry the show. ([维基百科][3])
International viewers should confirm which online platforms have rights in their region.

5.3 Show Format & Highlights to Watch For

Expect high-level stage design, visual production, and perhaps 360° / immersive staging, especially given the large new stadium. ([Soompi][2])
Surprise performances or collaboration stages are staples of MAMA and may be used to amplify star moments.
The award sequence, medleys, and encore stages will likely be tightly choreographed to maintain momentum and global viewership.
Fan interaction elements (voting, live reaction features) may be incorporated to keep engagement during the broadcast.

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6. Conclusion & What to Watch Next

The 2025 MAMA Awards is shaping up to be a landmark edition — returning to Hong Kong, deployed in a new large stadium, and embracing fan participation via Super Fan programs. With nomination mechanics that balance data, artistry, and voting, the competition promises to be fierce.

In the coming days and weeks, the most crucial updates to monitor include:

The official nomination list release (with full category breakdown)
Opening and closing dates for voting windows
Ticket sale dates, types, and seat maps
Broadcast partner updates and streaming access
Any surprises or changes in nomination rules or categories