The CMT Music Awards Will Not Happen In 2025
The CMT Music Awards are one of a handful of awards shows that will be on hiatus this year. A memo obtained by THR from the office of Bruce Gillmer, Paramount Global’s president of music, music talent, programming, and events, revealed that the company aims to use the pause to “reimagine and optimize” its events.
This news comes as Paramount Global is near finalizing a merger with David Ellison’s Skydance Media. The deal is expected to close within the next six months. Additionally, the company began sweeping rounds of layoffs last fall in an effort to reduce its U.S. workforce by 15%, with a cost-saving goal of $500 million.
The CMT Music Awards, which has been airing under the current moniker for the last 20 years, is one of four awards shows left on the chopping block for this year. The MTV Europe Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico, and the MTV MIAWs (previously known as the MTV Millennial Awards) received the same fate.
The MTV VMAs, the Kids’ Choice Awards in the U.S., and a couple of small international shows will not be affected and will run as originally planned.
Read the full memo from Bruce Gillmer below:
Team,
We want to share some news. We are pausing a few events for 2025, as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward. These include the MTV EMAs, MTV MIAWs, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico, and CMT Music Awards.
Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount’s music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture. We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life.
Thank you,
Bruce
2024 CMT Music Awards Recap
The CMT Music Awards empowers fans by allowing them to vote on and decide the winners of each category. For the fourth consecutive year, Kelsea Ballerini hosted the 2024 ceremony in Austin, Texas.
It was a memorable evening of live music and exciting awards wins. Keith Urban made history with his 20th performance at the awards show, and Jason Aldean returned to the CMT stage after a ban. Additionally, Sugarland and Little Big Town reunited for a performance after 15 years.
Lainey Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine” was named Female Video of the Year. Jelly Roll took home the awards for both Male Video of the Year and Video of the Year for “Need A Favor.”
See the complete list of winners from the 2024 CMT Music Awards here.
Stay tuned for more news on the fate of the CMT Music Awards as it becomes available.