It finally happened. After 41 years, the MTV Video Music Awards will recognize country artists with a new category: Best Country.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Of course, this development comes at a time when music videos are increasingly watched on YouTube instead of MTV. The network once established trends. Now it's simply following them. The time when we might see a clip of Jelly Roll during an episode of Total Request Live has long passed.
Call us cynical, but this does feel a little like pandering. Still, the category is also a nod to country music's growing influence. It's obviously cool that the MTV Video Music Awards now have a Best Country award. It just should have happened sooner.
The Nominees for Best Country at the MTV Music Awards Are...
The nominees present a diverse mix of emerging and established artists. For its first year, they couldn't have chosen a better representation of modern country.
The six nominees are:
- Jelly Roll, "Liar"
- Lainey Wilson, "4X4XU"
- Chris Stapleton, "Think I'm in Love With You"
- Megan Moroney, "Am I Okay?"
- Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood, "I'm Gonna Love You"
- Morgan Wallen, "Smile"
Country Artists Are All Over the Nominee List
There are country artists nominated in other categories as well.
Jelly Roll is the most nominated country artist this year, appearing in Best Hip Hop and Video for Good for his appearance on Eminem's "Somebody Save Me". "Lonely Road", his duet with MGK, is up for Best Alternative.
Everyone knows this has been Morgan Wallen's year, so it's no surprise I'm the Problem is up for Best Album. He's also a nominee for Artist of the Year.
It's no surprise that Ella Langley is nominated for Best New Artist. Shaboozey and Dasha both received nominations for Push Performance of the Year. There are also two country songs nominated for Best Collaboration: "Backup Plan" by Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs, and Post Malone and Blake Shelton for "Pour Me a Drink".
How Do I Watch the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards?
Fans can vote at vote.mtv.com before 6 p.m. on Sep. 5. The ceremony will take place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, hosted by LL Cool J.
See the winners on Sep. 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS, MTV, or stream on Paramount+.
