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?
He grew up playing jazz.
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.
His dad is a fan. Like, a really big fan.
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.
“Asleep Talking” went viral.
After his dad shared the “Asleep Talking” snippet on that podcast, the song caught on fast: Heidi Klum posted about it alongside a hilarious, Seventies-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.
He’s hitting the road with the Jonas Brothers.
When the bros hit the road on their seemingly endless Burning Up run, Magnus will be tagging along as opening act on select dates. Magnus previously toured with Nick Jonas, and said the shows “reminded us what it’s like to be human” watching each night.
The Nepo Baby thing doesn’t bother him.
Instead, he seems to even have a little fun with it. While making his debut at the Outside Lands festival, Magnus posted a video on TikTok with the caption “beating the nepo baby allegations one groovy song at a time.” He doesn’t try to hide who is famous father is, leaning in wherever he can. “You have to acknowledge the position that you’re in because they’re not wrong. I can’t control the attention that I get because of my dad, but like, it is there,” he told the Hollywood Reporter.
Magnus will face off with Bella Kay, CORTIS, Malcolm Todd, Myles Smith, Sienna Spiro, and Stella Lefty when the VMAs broadcast live from Los Angeles on Sept. 7, airing simultaneously on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Fan voting for all 13 VMA categories is open now and will close Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. ET. Voting for Best New Artist, however, will continue into the show itself.
