Who Is VMA Best New Artist Nominee Magnus Ferrell? (Hint: More Cowbell)

The 2026 Video Music Awards might be in for a little more cowbell this year. Though it’s big names like Madonna and Taylor Swift who dominate the nominations , we’re equally interested in some lesser-known artists up for the Best New Artist honor. Namely, Magnus Ferrell .

If that last name sounds familiar, it’s because, yes, the 22-year-old is the son of actor and oddball percussion king Will Ferrell , who has been releasing music since the ripe old age of 17. His song “Asleep Talking” was a viral hit, and his smooth, R&B-influenced sound and impressive falsetto feels like something Ron Burgundy might have dreamt about adding a flute solo to. But aside from his Hollywood connections, Magnus has chops. So, what else do we know about him?

Magnus’ parents made sure that their kids were schooled in music early on, insisting on piano lessons — he ended up joining a jazz band in his teens. Though he studied acting at the University of Southern California, music soon took precedence, and he signed a record deal with Visva/Republic Records.

Will has been the Number One cheerleader for his son since his first public concert, and, honestly, it’s pretty adorable. When Magnus made his public debut at an event benefitting Cancer for College — a charity founded by Will’s former roommate Craig Pollard — his dad hopped onstage to knock at the legendary cowbell as his son played his original song “Back in Place.” Will also took time during an appearance on Michelle Obama’s podcast IMO to play a snippet of “Asleep Talking,” letting the song run for a full minute (“he’s got a groove going,” the former First Lady said). Magnus’ song “Slow Down” was also featured on the soundtrack of Will’s 2025 romantic comedy You’re Cordially Invited .

After his dad shared the “Asleep Talking” snippet on that podcast, the song caught on fast: Heidi Klum posted about it alongside a hilarious, S eventies-style photoshoot with Will , as did Charlie Puth and Khloe Kardashian. It debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales Chart. Magnus, who boasts half a million followers on TikTok, is pretty good at social media himself, whether he is posting reaction videos or singing his own tunes while shirtless. Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century