Mama 2025 nominations

MAMA 2025 Nominations: A Celebration of Innovation, Global Reach, and Musical Excellence

The countdown to one of the most anticipated nights in the Asian music industry has officially begun—MAMA 2025 (Mnet Asian Music Awards) is right around the corner, and the recently released nomination list is already sparking excitement, debate, and passionate fan support across the globe. Known for honoring the best in K-pop, Asian pop, and international collaborations, the MAMA Awards have grown into a global event that transcends borders and language.

This year’s nominations reflect not only musical excellence but also the diversity, innovation, and ever-expanding influence of Asian artists in the global music scene. From viral rookies to veteran idols, genre-bending releases to powerful collaborations, MAMA 2025 nominations showcase a year full of boundary-pushing artistry.

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🎤 Daesang (Grand Prize) Nominations: The Crown Jewels

At the heart of every MAMA lies the prestigious Daesang categories—the most coveted awards of the night. Here’s a look at the frontrunners for 2025:

🏆 Artist of the Year

SEVENTEEN – A strong year with two chart-topping albums and a massive world tour.
Stray Kids – Dominated global charts and broke into more Western markets.
NewJeans – Redefined the 4th gen with a fresh sound and trendsetting style.
BTS – Though on hiatus, solo activities and anthology releases kept their influence strong.
IU – Her comeback album showcased unmatched emotional depth and artistry.

💿 Album of the Year

BTS – “Beyond the Scene: The Anthology Pt. 2”
Stray Kids – “Rock-Star”
aespa – “Armageddon”
SEVENTEEN – “Heaven: Side A”
IU – “Lilac II”

🎵 Song of the Year

NewJeans – “How Sweet”
Jungkook – “Seven (feat. Latto)”
IVE – “I AM”
LE SSERAFIM – “Smart”
Taeyang – “Shoong! (feat. Lisa)”

🌍 Worldwide Icon of the Year

Based on global fan voting and social media impact, nominees include:

BTS
BLACKPINK
Stray Kids
ENHYPEN
TWICE
TXT
NewJeans
SEVENTEEN

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🌟 Best Group, Solo & Rookie Nominations

👬 Best Male Group

SEVENTEEN
Stray Kids
NCT Dream
TXT
EXO

👭 Best Female Group

NewJeans
IVE
LE SSERAFIM
aespa
TWICE

🎙️ Best Male Artist

Jungkook (BTS)
Taemin (SHINee)
Baekhyun (EXO)
ZICO
Kai (EXO)

🎤 Best Female Artist

IU
ROSÉ (BLACKPINK)
YENA
BIBI
Lee Youngji

🌱 Best New Male Artist

RIIZE
TWS
BOYNEXTDOOR
ZEROBASEONE
Xikers

🌼 Best New Female Artist

ILLIT
BABYMONSTER
KISS OF LIFE
LIMELIGHT
Lapillus

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🎧 Genre-Specific & Special Categories

💃 Best Dance Performance (Male Group)

Stray Kids – “LALALALA”
SEVENTEEN – “MAESTRO”
TXT – “Deja Vu”
NCT Dream – “Smoothie”
ENHYPEN – “Sweet Venom”

💃 Best Dance Performance (Female Group)

NewJeans – “ETA”
IVE – “Either Way”
LE SSERAFIM – “Smart”
aespa – “Drama”
TWICE – “One Spark”

🎤 Best Vocal Performance

IU – “Love Wins All”
ROSÉ – “You & Me”
BTOB – “Wind and Wish”
AKMU – “Love Lee”
Paul Kim – “Empty”

🎧 Best Collaboration

Taeyang (feat. Lisa) – “Shoong!”
Jungkook (feat. Jack Harlow) – “3D”
BIBI & Crush – “Sugar Rush”
ZICO & Jennie – “SPOT!”
Jihyo & Heize – “Killin’ Me Good (Remix)”

🧩 Best OST

ROSÉ – “You & Me” (The Eclipse)
V – “Love Me Again” (Our Summer)
10CM – “Gradation” (My Dearest)
Baekhyun – “Promise” (Love in Tears)
BIBI – “Let’s Just Love” (Tears of Fire)

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🗳️ What Makes the Nominations Special This Year?

MAMA 2025’s nominations reflect the growing globalization of K-pop and Asian music. Notably:

More international collaborations—like Jungkook’s work with Latto and Jack Harlow—are being recognized.
Rookies are rising faster than ever. Groups like RIIZE, ILLIT, and ZEROBASEONE are competing in major categories just months after debuting.
Diverse genres—from pop and EDM to R\&B and hip-hop—are being celebrated equally, highlighting how multifaceted the scene has become.

Fans are also applauding MAMA’s efforts to include artists from outside the “Big 4” companies, giving smaller agencies and indie acts more visibility.

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📣 What’s Next?

Fan voting has already begun for select categories on platforms like Mnet Plus and Spotify, with millions of votes pouring in daily. As always, fan power will play a major role in determining some of the biggest winners of the night.

The full list of nominees and real-time updates can be found on the official MAMA website and social channels.

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🎤 Final Thoughts: A Celebration of the Past and Future

MAMA 2025 nominations aren’t just a reflection of popularity—they’re a snapshot of a year in music that blended nostalgia with innovation. It celebrates artists who’ve built legacies and those just beginning their journey. From IU’s poetic ballads to NewJeans’ futuristic minimalism, this year’s nominees prove that Asian music continues to evolve, expand, and inspire.

No matter who takes home the trophies, one thing is clear: 2025 has been a golden year for Asian music, and MAMA is ready to crown its champions in style.

Get ready for the show. It’s going to be legendary. 🌟