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 nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Video Music Awards, is set to join the Jonas Brothers on select dates of their "Burning Up" tour, having previously supported Nick Jonas on the road. He has also been building his profile independently, debuting at the Outside Lands festival and amassing half a million TikTok followers, while openly embracing comparisons to his famous father, joking on social media about "beating the nepo baby allegations one groovy song at a time."
His breakthrough came via the R&B-tinged single "Asleep Talking", which went viral after Will Ferrell played a clip of it on Michelle Obama's podcast IMO, prompting shout-outs from Heidi Klum, Charlie Puth and Khloe Kardashian and a No. 24 debut on the Billboard Digital Song Sales Chart. Ferrell, who has released music since age 17, grew up playing piano and jazz, studied acting at the University of Southern California before turning to music full-time, and signed with Visva/Republic Records; his father remains a vocal supporter, even joining him on cowbell at an early charity gig, and featured his song "Slow Down" on the soundtrack of his 2025 film "You're Cordially Invited".
- Magnus Ferrell will open select Jonas Brothers "Burning Up" tour dates
- He's up for Best New Artist at the 2026 VMAs
- Viral hit "Asleep Talking" hit No. 24 on Billboard's sales chart
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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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