Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney compete for the first-ever Best Country VMA
Country music has always drawn from Americana, telling heartfelt stories of small-town living while celebrating themes of family, faith, and fun.
Though the genre traces its roots back to the 1920s, it’s now enjoying unprecedented popularity. This surge has prompted MTV to finally acknowledge its influence with the launch of the first-ever Best Country Video Music Award.
The inaugural category featured six nominees, spotlighting artists like Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson, who have played a major role in connecting the genre to younger audiences. Adrienne Uthe, founder of Kronus Communications, noted that country music’s growth has become “impossible to ignore.”
“The genre has solidified itself as a cultural cornerstone, which is why MTV is now honoring it four decades after the VMAs began,” Uthe told Fox News Digital. “Its mainstream reach is undeniable. Even artists known for other styles, such as Post Malone, are crossing over into country. Their fame brings new listeners into the fold, forcing the broader industry to take notice.”
Uthe acknowledged that some traditional fans may resist this shift, but emphasized that it has propelled the genre to global visibility and spotlighted talents like Jelly Roll. Today’s top country tracks are firmly embedded in popular culture—Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song’, for instance, became one of last summer’s defining hits.
This year’s VMAs nominations reflect that momentum, with Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, and Carrie Underwood all competing for the first Best Country VMA. Wallen also earned a nod for Artist of the Year, while Post Malone was recognized for his duet with Blake Shelton.
While the sound of country music isn’t new, generations of artists have shaped it into what it is today.
“The genre’s rise is a credit to both its trailblazers and its newer stars,” Uthe explained. “Legends like Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney remain active and vibrant, while McGraw’s work in acting and producing continues to carry the country legacy forward.”
