Megan Moroney Makes History as First Country Artist to Win MTV VMA Best Country Award

MTV VMAs 2025: Megan Moroney Wins New 'Best Country' Award ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 - In a historic moment for country music, Megan Moroney became the first artist to win the Best Country trophy at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) on Sunday night. The fan-voted award marked a significant milestone in the VMAs' expansion of its categories to include country music. Moroney accepted the Moon Man while walking the red carpet ahead of the primetime show at UBS Arena, where she was accompanied by her team and supporters. In a pre-show acceptance speech, Moroney expressed gratitude to fans for voting for her song "Am I Okay?," the lead single from her 2024 album of the same name. "Thank y'all so much for voting," Moroney said. "Thank you for everything, all the support this year." She also humorously referenced a previous encounter with a Moon Man statue at a White Elephant gift exchange last Christmas, saying, "Guys, I literally fought over a Moon Man statue at White Elephant last year at Christmas and now I have a real one. I'm freaking out. This is way better than the Home Goods one." The VMAs' decision to introduce a Best Country category reflects the growing global popularity of country music. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), country music has seen significant growth in international markets, particularly in Asia and Europe. Industry experts attribute this trend to the genre's increasing diversity and crossover appeal, with artists like Moroney blending traditional country sounds with modern production and lyrical themes that resonate with a global audience. "Country music has always been about storytelling, and Megan Moroney is a masterful storyteller," said Nashville-based music journalist Matthew Leimkuehler, who contributed to Forbes' coverage of the VMAs. Moroney's win marks a significant moment for country music on the world stage, and fans are eagerly anticipating her next move. As she continues to break barriers in the industry, one thing is clear: Megan Moroney has cemented her place as a leading voice in country music. Background: The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been recognizing excellence in music videos since 1984. This year's ceremony marked the introduction of several new categories, including Best Country, which was voted on by fans through online polls. Context: Country music has experienced significant growth globally in recent years, with artists like Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton achieving international success. The VMAs' decision to include a Best Country category reflects this trend and provides a platform for country artists to reach a broader audience. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders believe that Moroney's win will pave the way for more country artists to be recognized on the global stage. "This is a huge moment for country music, and we're thrilled to see Megan Moroney leading the charge," said a spokesperson for the Country Music Association (CMA). Current Status and Next Developments: Moroney's victory has sparked widespread excitement among fans and industry professionals alike. As she continues to tour and release new music, her profile is likely to rise even further in the coming months. With the VMAs' expansion into country music, the stage is set for a new era of global recognition for artists from this genre. Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity throughout. *Reporting by Forbes.*