The electric hum of anticipation is palpable as the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) loom just hours away, set to light up the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on this crisp September evening. For four decades, the VMAs have been the ultimate stage for pop extravagance, hip-hop bravado, and rock rebellion, but this year marks a seismic shift: the introduction of the “Best Country” category, a long-overdue nod to the genre’s explosive mainstream crossover. Recognizing outstanding achievements in country music videos, this new award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a cultural milestone, spotlighting storytelling, visuals, and raw emotion that have propelled country from Nashville’s honky-tonks to global arenas. With nominees like Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen in the mix, the question on every fan’s lips is: Who will claim the inaugural Moonman for Best Country? As the clock ticks down, let’s break it down—video by video, artist by artist—in a riveting rundown that could sway your vote before the show even starts.

The VMAs have always been a barometer of pop culture’s pulse, evolving from the punky, MTV-fueled spectacle of the ’80s—think Madonna’s cone bra and Michael Jackson’s Thriller-era dominance—to today’s TikTok-driven, genre-blending bonanza. Yet, country music, despite its billion-streaming behemoths and chart-topping anthems, has often felt like the redheaded stepchild at this glitzy affair. Sure, there have been crossover moments: Taylor Swift’s early wins in the 2000s, or Carrie Underwood’s 2007 nod for “Before He Cheats.” But dedicated recognition? Zilch. Until now. MTV’s decision to launch Best Country in 2025 comes amid country’s unprecedented boom—think Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion, and a Nashville scene that’s as diverse as it is dominant. “It’s about time,” says veteran country video director Shaun Silva, who’s helmed clips for Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line. “Country videos tell stories that hit you in the gut—love, loss, trucks, and triumphs. This category lets that shine without the pop filter.”

Announced on August 5, 2025, alongside the full VMA slate, the Best Country nominees were revealed with fanfare, drawing immediate buzz on social media. Six artists made the cut, each submitting a video that exemplifies the genre’s visual poetry: sweeping landscapes, heartfelt narratives, and production values that rival Hollywood. Voting opened that day, closing just before the ceremony, with fans worldwide casting ballots via MTV’s app and website. Early polls on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit show a tight race, with over 1.2 million votes already tallied. But who stands out? Let’s dissect each nominee, exploring the videos’ artistry, cultural impact, and why they could etch their name in VMA history.

Kicking off the pack is Chris Stapleton with “Think I’m in Love with You,” a soul-stirring ballad from his 2020 album Starting Over, but reimagined for 2025 with a fresh visual treatment that dropped in March. Directed by the acclaimed David Atwood (known for his work with Jason Aldean), the video unfolds like a sepia-toned dream sequence in the rolling hills of Tennessee. Stapleton, with his gravelly beard and piercing blue eyes, wanders a fog-shrouded farm at dawn, intercut with flashbacks of a tender romance—stolen glances at a county fair, a midnight drive under starlit skies. The cinematography is masterful: golden-hour lighting bathes every frame, while subtle CGI adds ethereal fireflies that symbolize fleeting passion. At 4:32, it’s concise yet immersive, clocking 150 million YouTube views since release. What makes it VMA-worthy? Stapleton’s authenticity. No auto-tune, no gimmicks—just raw vocals over acoustic guitar, capturing country’s bluegrass roots. Fans rave about the emotional depth: “It’s like a short film that makes you ugly-cry,” tweets @CountrySoulFan23, with 5K likes. Critics from Rolling Stone praise it as “a masterclass in understated storytelling,” positioning Stapleton, a 10-time Grammy winner, as the elder statesman who could bridge country’s traditionalists with MTV’s youth.

But don’t count out the collaborations—next up, Cody Johnson featuring Carrie Underwood in “I’m Gonna Love You,” a duet that exploded from Johnson’s Leather album in 2023, with an extended video cut released in June 2025 to capitalize on VMA hype. Directed by the duo’s frequent collaborator Stephen Shepherd, this 5:15 epic is a cinematic rollercoaster set against the stark beauty of Wyoming’s Grand Tetons. Johnson, the Texas troubadour with a voice like aged whiskey, and Underwood, the American Idol alum turned powerhouse, portray star-crossed lovers in a modern Western tale: a rancher and a city girl reuniting after years apart. The visuals pop—horseback chases through aspen groves, a bonfire confession under a meteor shower, and a climactic slow-dance in the rain. Underwood’s soaring chorus harmonies elevate the production, with drone shots capturing the vastness of the American West. Views? A whopping 220 million on streaming platforms. Why does it deserve the win? The chemistry is electric; Underwood’s return to country roots post her pop flirtations adds gravitas, while Johnson’s everyman appeal resonates. “This video screams VMA energy—romance with a side of adventure,” gushes Billboard’s Jessica Nicholson. On TikTok, duets recreating the rain scene have gone viral, amassing 50 million impressions. If voters want heart and horsepower, this duo’s got it in spades.

Shifting gears to redemption anthems, Jelly Roll’s “Liar” from his 2024 Beautifully Broken album is a gritty confessional that packs a punch in its 4:45 runtime. Directed by Tyler Shields (of Katy Perry fame), the video is a raw, documentary-style affair shot in black-and-white in Nashville’s underbelly—abandoned warehouses, neon-lit bars, and rain-slicked alleys. Jelly Roll, the tattooed titan whose real name is Jason DeFord, narrates his journey from addiction to sobriety through split-screen montages: archival footage of his prison days intercut with present-day scenes of him mentoring at-risk youth. The turning point? A hallucinatory sequence where “the liar” manifests as a shadowy figure, shattered by Jelly’s defiant scream. No frills, just unflinching honesty—views hit 180 million, fueled by Jelly’s opioid crisis advocacy. This one’s a contender for its social impact; as a genre outsider who blended hip-hop and country, Jelly Roll embodies the evolution MTV celebrates. “It’s not just a video; it’s therapy on screen,” says The New York Times’ Jon Caramanica. Fan forums buzz with support: #JellyRollForVMA trends with stories of lives changed, and his CMA Awards sweep last year only amps the hype. In a year of feel-good country, “Liar” stands as the gut-wrenching wildcard.

Lainey Wilson’s “Bell Bottom Country,” from her 2024 Whirlwind LP, brings sass and swagger to the nominee slate. Clocking in at 3:58, this foot-stomping banger’s video, helmed by acclaimed director Alexa Kinsey, is a vibrant homage to country’s bell-bottom era—think ’70s glamor meets modern twang. Shot on a sun-drenched Louisiana bayou (Wilson’s home turf), it features the “Yellowstone” star in retro flares and fringe, leading a ragtag band of misfits in a backyard hoedown. Choreographed dances blend line-dancing with hip-hop flair, while cameos from fellow nominees like Megan Moroney add meta fun. The visuals dazzle: psychedelic filters during the chorus, firework bursts syncing to the fiddle solo. With 200 million streams, it’s a TikTok darling, spawning challenges where fans “bell bottom” their outfits. Wilson’s case? She’s the genre’s It Girl—three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, with a voice that’s equal parts grit and glitter. “This video captures country’s fun side without dumbing it down,” raves Variety. Voters eyeing empowerment and energy will flock here; her “Heart Like a Truck” follow-up only cements her as a force.

Then there’s Megan Moroney, the Georgia peach whose “Am I Okay?” from her 2024 Lucky LP is a vulnerable breakup ballad visualized in a haunting 4:22 clip directed by Mason Dixon. Set in a foggy Georgia peach orchard at dusk, Moroney wanders barefoot through blooming trees, her sundress torn from an unseen storm. Flashbacks reveal a toxic romance—shattered mirrors, whispered lies—juxtaposed with empowering solos where she smashes a guitar in cathartic release. The color palette shifts from desaturated grays to vibrant pinks as she “heals,” symbolizing self-discovery. Views: 160 million, propelled by Moroney’s relatable lyrics that resonate with Gen Z heartbreak. As country’s rising ingenue—fresh off a Billboard Women in Music honor—this video screams fresh blood. “Megan’s visuals are poetic, turning personal pain into universal art,” notes CMT’s Katie Cook. Social media melts: Instagram Reels of fans lip-syncing the bridge have 30 million plays. If the VMAs want youth appeal, Moroney’s emotional rawness could steal the show.

Rounding out the field is Morgan Wallen, the controversial kingpin with “Last Night,” the juggernaut from his 2023 One Thing at a Time album, re-cut for video in February 2025 at 2:52. Directed by the video visionary Chris Blake, it’s a high-octane bar brawl turned romance in a smoky Tennessee honky-tonk. Wallen, post-scandal redemption arc in full swing, plays a lovelorn cowboy chasing a one-night stand that lingers—fistfights erupt, beers spill, and a dawn-after kiss seals the chaos. Quick cuts and neon strobes give it a rock-country edge, with Wallen’s raspy drawl cutting through the fray. The video shattered records: 300 million views, topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs for 24 weeks. Despite past controversies (the 2021 racial slur incident), Wallen’s fanbase is loyal; this clip’s unapologetic bro-country vibe screams VMA disruption. “It’s raw, rowdy, and real—the essence of why country rules streaming,” says Entertainment Weekly’s Kristen Baldwin. Polls show him leading early votes, but detractors cry “overexposure.” Still, in a populist year, Wallen’s everyman anthems could clinch it.

So, who deserves it? The nominees represent country’s kaleidoscope: Stapleton’s soul, Johnson’s harmony, Jelly Roll’s grit, Wilson’s flair, Moroney’s youth, Wallen’s dominance. History favors the heartfelt—recall Taylor’s 2008 win for “Teardrops on My Guitar,” a storytelling triumph. This inaugural race feels like country’s CMAs crashing the VMAs party, with crossover potential exploding post-Beyoncé. Fan reactions? Electric. X threads debate fiercely: #VMABestCountry garners 500K mentions, with petitions for bonus noms like Post Malone’s country pivot. Predictions? Our money’s on Jelly Roll for impact, but Wallen’s streams might sway voters. Stapleton for prestige? Wilson’s for buzz?

As the arena fills with A-listers—Gaga hosting, Eminem performing—the Best Country win could redefine the VMAs. Will it go to tradition or trend? Tune in tonight; the Moonman’s glow might just illuminate country’s brightest star. One thing’s certain: this category’s debut is no small potatoes—it’s a honky-tonk revolution.