Megan Moroney Makes VMA History With First Best Country Win
Megan Moroney has a new piece of silverware and a footnote in awards history. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in New York, the Georgia native took home the first ever Best Country trophy for her hit “Am I Okay?” The win was announced on the red carpet ahead of the main broadcast, a pinch-me moment that set the tone for her night.
A first for the VMAs
This was the debut year for a country category at the VMAs, expanding a show best known for pop spectacle to include Nashville’s heavy hitters. The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 7, at UBS Arena and was hosted by LL Cool J.
“Expectations are exceeded”
Asked how it felt to pick up a Moon Person at her first VMAs, Moroney laughed that she had no expectations and that “expectations are exceeded, we’re going to have a good night,” a nod to both the fan-voted nature of the award and the whirlwind of her breakout year.
The field she beat
“Am I Okay?” topped a nominee slate that underlined just how stacked country is right now: Chris Stapleton (“Think I’m In Love With You”), Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood (“I’m Gonna Love You”), Jelly Roll (“Liar”), Lainey Wilson (“4X4XU”) and Morgan Wallen (“Smile”).
A second spotlight on the main show
Later in the evening Moroney stepped onto the Extended Play Stage to perform “6 Months Later,” a sharp contrast to the red-carpet chaos and a reminder of why the fan vote swung her way. The EP Stage, moved into the main broadcast this year, is designed to give first-time nominees a focused shot in front of the full TV audience.
Why this moment sticks
Awards come and go, but a first is a line in the sand. Moroney’s win folds country into one of pop culture’s biggest TV nights and puts a rising songwriter at the center of that shift. For listeners discovering her through the VMAs, “Am I Okay?” is the gateway; “6 Months Later” shows the depth behind the hook.