The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 7 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, was a night of unforgettable performances, emotional tributes, and historic milestones. Among the evening’s standout moments was country music star Megan Moroney’s dazzling debut performance of her latest single, “6 Months Later,” on the VMAs Extended Play Stage presented by Doritos. The Georgia-born singer-songwriter, fresh off her historic win as the first-ever recipient of the Best Country award, delivered a show-stopping rendition that had the entire audience singing along to every word, cementing her status as one of country music’s brightest rising stars.
A Breakthrough Year for Megan Moroney
At just 27 years old, Megan Moroney has quickly become a household name in country music, blending heartfelt storytelling with a bold, unapologetic personality. Her breakout single, “Tennessee Orange,” released in 2022, propelled her into the spotlight, earning RIAA Platinum certification and a spot on CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2023. Her debut album, Lucky (2023), showcased her ability to craft raw, relatable songs, while her sophomore record, Am I Okay? (2024), solidified her as a force to be reckoned with. The title track of Am I Okay? earned her the inaugural Best Country award at the 2025 VMAs, a fan-voted honor that highlighted her passionate fanbase and growing influence.
Moroney’s performance at the VMAs marked a significant milestone in her career, as it was her first appearance at the prestigious awards show. The event, hosted by LL Cool J and broadcast live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+, celebrated the best in music videos and songs released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025. With a star-studded lineup featuring artists like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, and Jelly Roll, Moroney’s inclusion on the main show’s Extended Play Stage—a platform designed to spotlight first-time nominees—underscored her rising prominence in the music industry.
The “6 Months Later” Performance
Moroney took the stage in a striking purple plaid dress, a nod to the artwork for her single “6 Months Later,” which has been climbing the Billboard Country Airplay chart since its release in June 2025. The song, a fierce post-breakup anthem with an empowering tempo, represents a departure from Moroney’s signature “emo cowgirl” style, which often leans into heartbreak and vulnerability. Co-written with songwriters Ben Williams, Rob Hatch, and David “Messy” Mescon during a creative retreat on a yacht in the Bahamas, “6 Months Later” captures the clarity and strength that come after overcoming a toxic relationship. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics—such as “I was barely alive, out of six feet deep, I was five / Pretty sure they called a hearse outside / Okay, that’s dramatic, but I survived”—resonated deeply with fans, making it a perfect fit for the VMAs stage.
As Moroney began her performance, the energy in the UBS Arena was palpable. The Extended Play Stage, which made its main-show debut in 2025 after previously being part of the pre-show telecast, was bathed in purple lighting, complementing Moroney’s outfit and hinting at the color theme for her highly anticipated third album. From the opening notes, the crowd was hooked, singing along to every word as Moroney delivered the song with confidence and charisma. Her powerhouse vocals, paired with the arena-ready production, filled the venue, while her playful yet poignant delivery brought the lyrics to life. The performance was a masterclass in balancing country authenticity with pop-infused energy, proving Moroney’s ability to captivate a diverse audience.
Social media erupted with praise as clips of the performance circulated online. Fans on platforms like X marveled at the crowd’s enthusiasm, with posts noting that “literally everyone was singing every word of ‘6 Months Later’—Megan Moroney is a STAR!” Others highlighted her stage presence, with one user writing, “Megan owned that stage like she’s been doing this forever. Country music is taking over!” The communal singalong was a testament to the song’s universal appeal, as fans from various musical backgrounds connected with its message of resilience and self-empowerment.
A Historic Night for Country Music
Moroney’s performance was part of a broader narrative at the 2025 VMAs, which marked a significant moment for country music. The introduction of the Best Country category, a first in the VMAs’ four-decade history, signaled a growing recognition of the genre’s mainstream appeal. Moroney’s win for “Am I Okay?” over heavyweights like Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen was a historic achievement, made even sweeter by the fact that it was determined by fan votes. Accepting the award on the red carpet before the main show, Moroney expressed her disbelief and gratitude, saying, “This is my first VMAs, and I had no expectations going in. My fans are the best—they voted their tails off!”
The Extended Play Stage, where Moroney performed alongside fellow first-time nominees Bailey Zimmerman and Lola Young, further amplified the spotlight on emerging talent. Zimmerman’s collaboration with The Kid LAROI on “Lost” and Young’s performance of “Messy” added to the stage’s dynamic energy, but Moroney’s set stood out for its emotional depth and crowd engagement. Her ability to connect with the audience, many of whom were unfamiliar with her work, highlighted her crossover potential and the universal appeal of her music.
The Purple Theme and Album Speculation
Moroney’s choice of a purple plaid dress and the purple lighting during her performance sparked intense speculation among fans about the color theme for her upcoming third album. Her debut album, Lucky, was characterized by a green aesthetic, while Am I Okay? embraced blue hues. The consistent use of purple in the “6 Months Later” music video, single artwork, and VMAs performance led many to believe that purple will define her next era. Fans have been eagerly analyzing Moroney’s recent appearances for clues, with some pointing to her purple-themed outfit as confirmation of the new album’s visual direction.
In interviews leading up to the VMAs, Moroney teased that she has already chosen the color for her next project and hinted that the album is nearly complete. Tracks like “6 Months Later” and her collaboration with Kenny Chesney, “You Had To Be There,” are expected to feature on the record, alongside unreleased songs like “Table for Two” and “Beautiful Things,” which she has previewed on social media. The anticipation for her third album is at an all-time high, and her VMAs performance only fueled the excitement, with fans flooding X with predictions and enthusiasm for what’s to come.
A Star on the Rise
Moroney’s journey to the VMAs stage is a testament to her talent and determination. Born in Savannah and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, she began performing as a teenager, covering songs like Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart” with her father and brother. After a knee injury derailed her dreams of becoming a college cheerleader, Moroney taught herself guitar and honed her songwriting skills. Her time at the University of Georgia, where she studied accounting, saw her win the Miss Sorority Row pageant with a cover of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” and open for Chase Rice at the Georgia Theatre, marking the start of her music career.
Since then, Moroney has built a reputation for her authentic, confessional songwriting, which blends vulnerability with wit. Her ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners has earned her comparisons to country icons like Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert. At the VMAs, she represented not only herself but also the growing influence of country music in mainstream pop culture, filling a void left by the cancellation of the CMT Music Awards earlier in 2025.
Conclusion
Megan Moroney’s performance of “6 Months Later” at the 2025 MTV VMAs was a defining moment in her career, showcasing her ability to captivate a global audience with her infectious energy and relatable lyrics. The sight of the UBS Arena crowd singing along to every word was a powerful reminder of her connection with fans and her potential to bridge the gap between country and pop. As she continues to tease her third album and build on her historic Best Country win, Moroney is poised to become a leading voice in music, carrying the torch for a new generation of country artists. The 2025 VMAs will be remembered as the night Moroney proved she belongs on the big stage, and her fans are ready to follow her every step of the way.
