2025 CMT Awards Cancelled

The 2025 CMT Music Awards are among multiple awards shows that will be axed this year as its parent company, Paramount, continues a merger with Skydance Media.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Global is entering a merger with Skydance Media, which is expected to be completed in the first half of the year.

As the rollout continues, Paramount will reportedly pause its awards shows, including the CMT Music Awards, MTV EMAs, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico, and the MTV MIAWs (formerly known as the MTV Millennial Awards).

Awards shows such as the Video Music Awards and the Kids’ Choice Awards won’t be affected. The Hollywood Reporter states that the CMT Music Awards will be halted this year so Paramount can “reimagine” its future and “optimise” its strategy.  

The CMT Awards notably focus on music videos. At the time of publication, Carrie Underwood is the most awarded artist, with ten Video of the Year awards.

Last year’s awards ceremony was held in April in Austin, Texas. The host, Kelsea Ballerini, noted that 2024 would be her final year hosting the CMT Awards.

Jelly Roll was the big winner of the 2024 CMT Awards, winning the coveted Video of the Year award for Need A Favor.

Other award winners included Lainey Wilson winning the Female Video Of The Year award for Watermelon Moonshine, Ashley Cooke winning Breakthrough Female Video Of The Year (with Your Place), and Warren Zeiders winning Breakthrough Male Video Of The Year (with Pretty Little Poison).

Since the CMT Awards will not be held this year, only two awards shows celebrating country music will air this year: the Country Music Awards (CMAs) and the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM). The latter will be held this May and broadcast on Amazon Prime.