Alex Warren, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter and Hype House alum, was named Best New Artist at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The win came as a surprise to Warren, who reacted on the red carpet with stunned silence for about 10 seconds.
“I truly did not … thank you so much. What the?” he said. “I was totally ready for (fellow nominee) Sombr to be here.”
When pre-show cohost Nessa asked about his upcoming performance, Warren added one of the most memorable lines of the night:
“I don’t even know what to say to you right now. I pooped twice today; I might go for a third. I’m about to cry. I don’t know; this is amazing. Thank you so much!”
His candid and humorous remark quickly went viral, endearing him further to fans.
Warren later took the stage to perform Ordinary and Eternity, backed by a band of drummers. His performance, alongside longtime pop icons Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey, showcased his talent and stage presence to a national audience.
“Shortly after his win, Warren took to Instagram to express his gratitude to his wife and fans.”
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The up-and-coming musician released his 21-track album You’ll Be Alright Kid in two parts, with the second half released on July 18, 2025. He received three VMA nominations this year, including Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for Ordinary, which has spent 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 1. Other popular tracks include Eternity, Carry You Home, and Bloodline (featuring Jelly Roll).
Through his music, Warren reflects on early struggles, including losing his father to kidney cancer at age 9.
“So I love giving people new ways to feel and think about themselves and their lives,” he told the Nashville Tennessean.
“The trajectory of my arrival at who I am … allows me to write songs that feel like they’re meant to teach others how to endure their lives.”
Warren’s personal life has also influenced his work. In June 2024, he married fellow Hype House alum Kouvr Annon, whom he met on Snapchat while he was homeless at 18.
Warren has credited his wife as a major inspiration for Ordinary, a song celebrating joy and resilience after loss and trauma.
Alex Warren’s first VMA win, paired with his unforgettable backstage comment, highlighted both his musical talent and his approachable, humorous personality, making him one of the most talked-about artists of the night.
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