Who Is VMA Best New Artist Nominee Magnus Ferrell? (Hint: More Cowbell)
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Magnus Ferrell, the 22-year-old son of Will Ferrell, has been nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Video Music Awards, alongside bigger names such as Madonna and Taylor Swift. He built his profile through his R&B-tinged single "Asleep Talking", which went viral after his father played a clip of it on Michelle Obama's podcast IMO, drawing shout-outs from Heidi Klum, Charlie Puth and Khloe Kardashian and reaching Number 24 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales Chart.
Ferrell has been releasing music since he was 17, having grown up playing piano and jazz before studying acting at the University of Southern California and signing a record deal with Visva/Republic Records. His father has been an enthusiastic supporter throughout, even joining him onstage to play cowbell during an early charity performance, and his song "Slow Down" featured on the soundtrack of Will Ferrell's 2025 film You're Cordially Invited. Magnus has since performed at the Outside Lands festival, built a following of half a million on TikTok, previously toured with Nick Jonas, and is set to open select dates on the Jonas Brothers' "Burning Up" tour, all while openly embracing his "nepo baby" status online.
- Will Ferrell's son Magnus is up for a VMA Best New Artist nod.
- Viral hit "Asleep Talking" boosted by dad's podcast plug.
- He'll open select Jonas Brothers "Burning Up" tour dates.
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Magnus Ferrell is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter and the son of actor Will Ferrell. He has been nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Video Music Awards, a prize category that recognises rising musicians in the year's pop culture landscape.
Ferrell has been performing and releasing music since his late teens, having grown up around piano and jazz before studying acting and then turning fully to a music career. He is signed to Visva/Republic Records and has built a following through touring, festival appearances and social media, while being open about comparisons to his famous father.
His profile grew significantly after a song of his was shared on a widely heard podcast, drawing attention from other public figures and chart recognition. His father has publicly supported his music career, including making an appearance alongside him at an early performance.
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