VMAs Add Best Country Artist Category; Jelly Roll And Morgan Wallen Among Top Country Nominees
The news dropped alongside the highly anticipated 2025 nominees list.
Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen; Photos Provided
For the first time in history, the VMAs are introducing a Best Country Artist category in the 42nd edition of the show. CBS and MTV announced the news today (Aug. 5) alongside the highly anticipated list of 2025 nominees. The expansion into country music has been a long time coming for the VMAs and leading the charge is Jelly Roll, who is not only the top-nominated country act but also ties as one of the most-nominated artists overall this year.
The Best Country Artist category arrives alongside a new Best Pop Artist slot, showcasing that the VMAs are making an effort to evolve with the ongoing genre trends and fan demand. Because of the addition, a wide range of country talent is being recognized at the star-studded award show.
Country Star Nominees
Jelly Roll earned four nominations, placing him alongside mainstream powerhouses like Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, and Tate McRae. Along with his recognition in Best Country (“Liar”), Jelly Roll’s work spans multiple genres including Best Hip-Hop (“Somebody Save Me”), Best Alternative (“Lonely Road”), and Video for Good (“Somebody Save Me” with Eminem).
Just behind him is Morgan Wallen with three nominations: Artist of the Year, Best Country (“Smile”), and Best Album (I’m The Problem).
The select group of nominees vying for the inaugural Best Country Award include Chris Stapleton’s “Think I’m In Love with You,” Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood’s “I’m Gonna Love You,” Jelly Roll’s “Liar,” Lainey Wilson’s “4x4xU,” Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?” and Morgan Wallen’s “Smile.”
Other first-time country nominees include Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton and Ella Langley. Viral country acts Shaboozey and Dasha are also nominated for MTV Push Performance of the Year.
How To Watch 2025 VMAs
Each year, the VMAs aim to honor and spotlight artists who have made an impact on the music landscape and ignited widespread buzz through their groundbreaking work over the past year. Fans can tune into the 2025 VMAs to see who will take home the wins across the various categories.
The show is set to air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, September 7, at 8PM ET/5PM PT across CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+. Voting is open in 19 gender-neutral categories at vote.mtv.com. Fans have the chance to submit their vote now through Sept. 5 at 6PM ET, except Best New Artist which remains active into show.
Voting Open Now
There are additional opportunities to votes for Video of the Year presented by Burger King®, Artist of the Year and Best New Artist by commenting under the pinned posts on @VMAs Instagram using the artist-specific hashtags through August 8th at 6PM ET/3PM PT. Those who choose to participate can get double the votes per category every day during Power Hour presented by BACARDÍ® Rum, running daily 1-2PM ET from Aug. 7 through Sept. 4.
More information regarding the lineup of performers, special honorees, social categories and more will be unveiled in coming weeks.
A full list of nominations for the 2025 VMA Awards can be found HERE.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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