The 2025 CMT Music Awards, a staple in the country music industry, have been officially canceled. This decision comes amid Paramount Global’s ongoing merger with Skydance Media, leading to a reevaluation of the company’s event lineup. In addition to the CMT Music Awards, other events such as the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the MTV MIAWs, and Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico have also been paused.
Bruce Gillmer, Paramount’s president of music, addressed the cancellations in a memo to staff, stating, “We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering “iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture.”
The CMT Music Awards have been a significant event in the country music calendar since their inception in 1967, originally known as the Music City News Awards. The show has evolved over the decades, with a notable rebranding in 2005 when it moved to CMT. Unlike other country music award shows, the CMT Music Awards distinguish themselves by focusing on music videos and being entirely fan-voted, offering a unique platform for artists and fans to connect.
The 2024 ceremony, held on April 7 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, was hosted by Kelsea Ballerini. The event was marked by standout performances and significant wins, with Jelly Roll taking home three awards, including Video of the Year for “Need a Favor.” The show garnered an estimated 5.4 million viewers on CBS, reflecting its continued popularity.
The cancellation has elicited a range of reactions from fans and industry observers. Some fans expressed disappointment, with one stating, “Absolutely disgraceful because I was looking forward to that event.” Others speculated on the reasons behind the decision, suggesting that recent developments in the country music scene, such as Beyoncé’s success in the genre, might have influenced the cancellation. One user commented, “They probably decided to call it a day when Beyoncé won her big country award.”
However, it’s important to note that the official reason provided centers on the corporate merger and the subsequent strategic reevaluation of events. Paramount Global is taking this opportunity to “reimagine and optimize” their event offerings in light of the merger with Skydance Media.
The future of the CMT Music Awards remains uncertain. As Paramount Global continues its merger and strategic planning, fans and artists alike are left awaiting further announcements regarding the potential return or restructuring of the event in the coming years.
