The MTV Video Music Awards 2025 took place on Sunday, September 7, live from UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. For the first time in history, country artists competed in their own category, Best Country Video. This milestone proves how far country music has expanded into mainstream pop culture.

The night was packed with star power. Hosted by LL Cool J, the VMAs featured performances from Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Megan Moroney, and Bailey Zimmerman. In addition, the ceremony highlighted both global icons like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga and country stars such as Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, and Luke Combs.

Country Nominees at the 2025 MTV VMAs

Artist of the Year

• Bad Bunny

• Beyoncé

• Kendrick Lamar

• Lady Gaga

• Morgan Wallen

• Taylor Swift

• The Weeknd

Best New Artist

• Alex Warren*

• Ella Langley

• Gigi Perez

• Lola Young

• Sombr*

• The Marías

Best Collaboration

• Bailey Zimmerman with Luke Combs – “Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)”

• Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “luther”

• Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”

• Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton – “Pour Me A Drink”

• Rosé & Bruno Mars – “APT.”

• Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – “Sunset Blvd”

Best Country Video

• Chris Stapleton – “Think I’m In Love With You”

• Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood – “I’m Gonna Love You”

• Jelly Roll – “Liar”

• Lainey Wilson – “4x4xU”

• Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?” (WINNER)

• Morgan Wallen – “Smile”

Best Album

• Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos

• Kendrick Lamar – GNX

• Lady Gaga – Mayhem

• Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem

• Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet

• The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Video for Good

• Burna Boy – “Higher”

• Charli xcx ft. Billie Eilish – “Guess”

• Doechii – “Anxiety”

• Eminem ft. Jelly Roll – “Somebody Save Me”

• Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – “Younger and Hotter Than Me”

• Zach Hood ft. Sasha Alex Sloan – “Sleepwalking”

A Historic Night for Country Music

Overall, the addition of the Best Country Video category showed the VMAs’ recognition of Nashville’s influence on today’s music. Furthermore, it gave artists like Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen, and Jelly Roll the same stage as pop and hip-hop superstars.

As a result, country fans celebrated a breakthrough moment. The 2025 MTV VMAs proved that country music is no longer limited to its traditional audience. Instead, it continues to shape global music trends while honoring its storytelling roots.