Country music superstar Morgan Wallen is riding a tidal wave of success this October, with his latest single "I Got Better" climbing to the top of the Mediabase country radio singles chart for the week of October 12 to October 18, 2025. The achievement cements Wallen’s position as one of the genre’s most dominant forces, while anticipation swells for his next big release—a steamy new music video for his fan-favorite track, "20 Cigarettes."
According to Mediabase, "I Got Better" rose one spot from the previous week, dethroning Jordan Davis’ "Bar None" to claim the coveted #1 position. The song didn’t just top the chart by points; it also ranked as the most played and most heard song on the Mediabase country panel during the tracking period. That’s no small feat in a landscape crowded with heavy hitters. Chase Matthew’s "Darlin’" surged two spots to #2, Luke Combs’ "Back In The Saddle" followed closely at #3, while Jelly Roll’s "Heart of Stone" slipped to #4 and the former chart-topper "Bar None" slid to #5.
This chart-topping moment is just the latest in a string of headline-grabbing developments for Wallen. On October 17, the 32-year-old Tennessee native took to social media to make a major announcement that sent his massive fanbase into a frenzy. In a post that quickly racked up thousands of likes and comments, Wallen wrote, "One h--l of a pack. 20 Cigarettes video out Monday, 10/20 at 1p CT." The news, first reported by Parade, electrified his followers, who flooded the comments section with excitement. One fan exclaimed, "I can't wait another 3 days omg." Another echoed the sentiment, writing, "I CANT WAIT THIS LONG!! Am I the only one?" The anticipation was palpable, with others chiming in, "Holy s--t I can't wait to see this," and "Morgan did u know this was my fav on the album be honest."
"20 Cigarettes" is more than just another track in Wallen’s repertoire—it’s one of the most talked-about songs on his blockbuster fourth studio album, I'm The Problem. Released on May 16, 2025, the album is a sprawling project featuring 37 tracks, including collaborations with the likes of Tate McRae, Eric Church, HARDY, ERNEST, and Post Malone. The ambitious record has been met with widespread acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying Wallen’s reputation as a hitmaker who isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
The excitement around "20 Cigarettes" has been building for months. When Wallen teased the then-upcoming video for "I Got Better" via Instagram on September 3, fans immediately pivoted to speculate about "20 Cigarettes." As Parade reported, one particularly enthusiastic fan wrote, "YA'LL WE'RE GETTING A MUSIC VIDEO FOR 20 CIGARETTES!!!!! HE JUST SAID IT ON STAGE IN TORONTO." Another added, "He said he made a music video for 20 Cigarettes at the Toronto show! Idk how this looks fits but that's my SONNGG and he is fineeee in this pic. I'm sat." The anticipation has only grown since then, with fans declaring, "This better be the sexiest video of the year."
Wallen’s knack for keeping his audience engaged isn’t limited to social media teases. The music video for "I Got Better," released on October 1, 2025, has already amassed over four million views—a testament to his enduring popularity and the fervor of his fanbase. The visual, which showcases Wallen’s signature blend of vulnerability and swagger, has become a talking point in its own right, fueling speculation about what the "20 Cigarettes" video might bring to the table.
All of this comes on the heels of a whirlwind touring schedule. Wallen wrapped up his "I'm The Problem" North American Tour on September 13, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, after kicking things off on June 20 in Houston, Texas. The tour, which spanned dozens of cities and drew sellout crowds, was a victory lap for Wallen and a chance for fans to experience his new material live. For many, the tour’s conclusion felt bittersweet—but Wallen’s relentless output has ensured that his presence remains front and center in the country music conversation.
Of course, Wallen isn’t the only artist making waves on the country charts. The latest Mediabase rankings reflect a fiercely competitive environment. Chase Matthew’s "Darlin’" and Luke Combs’ "Back In The Saddle" both made impressive climbs, while Jelly Roll and Jordan Davis continue to maintain strong showings. But it’s Wallen’s "I Got Better" that has captured the zeitgeist, dominating airwaves and playlists alike.
What’s behind Wallen’s sustained success? Industry observers point to a combination of raw talent, relentless work ethic, and a deep connection with his audience. His storytelling resonates with listeners who see themselves in his lyrics—whether he’s exploring heartbreak, redemption, or the simple pleasures of small-town life. And with each new release, Wallen manages to keep things fresh without losing sight of the authenticity that first endeared him to fans.
The impending release of the "20 Cigarettes" music video is shaping up to be another major moment. Scheduled to drop at 1 PM Central Time on Monday, October 20, the video is expected to deliver the kind of visual storytelling that has become Wallen’s hallmark. If the reaction to his announcement is any indication, fans are bracing for something memorable—and perhaps even a little provocative.
As Wallen himself continues to break records and defy expectations, the broader country music landscape is evolving alongside him. New voices are emerging, established stars are pushing creative boundaries, and audiences are more engaged than ever. But for now, it’s Morgan Wallen who’s setting the pace—one chart-topping single, viral video, and sold-out tour at a time.
With "I Got Better" reigning supreme on country radio and "20 Cigarettes" poised to ignite screens everywhere, Wallen’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. For fans and industry insiders alike, the question isn’t whether Wallen will deliver—it’s how high he’ll climb next.
