Country Stars Take the Spotlight at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
- All Country News
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
New Category Shines a Light on Nashville’s Finest as Morgan Wallen and More Earn Top Honors.
In a bold move that reflects the growing cultural and commercial force of country music, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will feature “Best Country” as an official category for the first time in the show’s four-decade history. The genre’s impact isn’t just being acknowledged, it’s being celebrated on one of pop culture’s biggest nights, airing live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7 at 8PM ET on CBS.
While pop juggernauts like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars top the overall nominations (with 12 and 11 respectively), it’s the country contenders who are shaking up the game in impressive fashion, not only earning multiple nods but crossing genre boundaries with standout collaborations and chart-topping albums.
Morgan Wallen: From Nashville to the World
Leading the country pack is Morgan Wallen, who scored three nominations, including one of the night’s biggest honors, Artist of the Year. He’s also recognized in Best Album for I’m The Problem and Best Country for his heartfelt radio hit “Smile.” With record-breaking tours and streaming numbers that rival any global pop act, Wallen’s inclusion in the top-tier categories cements his status as a modern superstar far beyond the country sphere.
Lainey Wilson’s Rise Continues
Lainey Wilson, one of the genre’s brightest stars, continues her streak of career-defining moments with a nomination for Best Country for her introspective track “4x4xU.” It’s a testament to Wilson’s growing influence as a storyteller and visual artist, her music videos often feel more like short films, rich with emotion and cinematic flair.
Ella Langley Takes Center Stage
Meanwhile, breakout star Ella Langley is cementing her status as one of country’s most exciting new forces with her first-ever VMA nomination for Best New Artist. The Alabama native has quickly built a loyal fanbase thanks to her fiery songwriting, gritty vocals, and fearless fusion of country and rock. From viral hits to powerhouse performances, Langley has carved out a lane all her own and the industry is taking serious notice. Her nomination marks a pivotal milestone in a breakout year that shows no signs of slowing down.
A Genre-Bending Class of First-Timers
The 2025 nominees list features an impressive 33 first-time nominees, and country music has a major presence among them. Blake Shelton, Bailey Zimmerman, Cody Johnson, Dasha, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney all earned their first-ever nods.
Cody Johnson’s duet with Carrie Underwood, “I’m Gonna Love You,” lands in Best Country, a romantic visual feast pairing two vocal powerhouses. Johnson’s storytelling-heavy visuals and Underwood’s polished production prove the format’s continued evolution.
Megan Moroney joins the list with her raw, emotionally charged video for “Am I Okay?” a song that balances vulnerability with strong, modern femininity, landing her a well-deserved place in Best Country.
Jelly Roll: Blurring the Genre Lines
Few artists personify genre-defying success like Jelly Roll, who pulls in four nominations across multiple formats: Best Country (“Liar”), Best Hip-Hop and Video for Good (for his collaboration with Eminem on “Somebody Save Me”), and Best Alternative (“Lonely Road” with mgk). It’s a sweeping showcase of how an artist grounded in country storytelling can move fluidly between formats without losing authenticity.
A Country Collaboration Worth Toasting
Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs are also up for Best Collaboration with their electrifying Stagecoach performance of “Backup Plan.” The video, shot live in front of thousands, captures the raw energy of country’s current stadium era high-octane, heartfelt, and absolutely undeniable.
And in a crossover moment sure to make waves, Blake Shelton pairs up with Post Malone for “Pour Me A Drink,” a genre-bending barroom anthem that also landed in the Best Collaboration category.
A Turning Point for Country at the VMAs
The introduction of the Best Country category and the high-profile recognition of country artists in major all-genre categories mark a significant cultural shift. No longer a niche presence relegated to side stages, country is now front and center, both on stage and in the voting booth.
Fan voting is open now at vote.mtv.com through September 5 at 6PM ET, with additional voting through Instagram comments on @VMAs. And for the most passionate country fans? Power Hour presented by BACARDÍ® Rum offers double voting from 1-2PM ET daily through September 4.
The 2025 “VMAs” may be rooted in pop tradition, but this year, Nashville’s voice is louder and prouder than ever.
Country Nominees at a Glance:
Morgan Wallen
Artist of the Year
Best Country – “Smile”
Best Album – I’m The Problem
Lainey Wilson
Best Country – “4x4xU”
Jelly Roll
Best Country – “Liar”
Best Hip-Hop, Best Alternative, Video for Good
Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood
Best Country – “I’m Gonna Love You”
Megan Moroney
Best Country – “Am I Okay?”
Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs
Best Collaboration – “Backup Plan”
Blake Shelton & Post Malone
Best Collaboration – “Pour Me A Drink”
Dasha
PUSH Performance of the Year – “Bye Bye Bye”
Ella Langley
Best New Artist
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