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| Carrie Underwood | source: Getty Images |
Country music's most anticipated evening has unexpectedly been removed from the schedule. Supporters eagerly awaiting the 2025 CMT Music Awards were met with surprising news, triggering intense discussions across online platforms.
The 2025 CMT Music Awards are officially off the table, and fans have plenty to express about it. Paramount has decided to put a stop to this yearly country music festivity, alongside several other prominent events.
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| A fan comment dated February 8, 2025 | source: Facebook/CountryNow |
In a memo distributed to its workforce, Bruce Gillmer, Paramount’s president of music, verified that the corporation is reducing its event roster. This decision affects not only the CMT Music Awards but also the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the MTV MIAWs, and Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico.
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"We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward," Gillmer stated. He stressed that Paramount remains devoted to delivering "iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture."
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| Lainey Wilson accepts an award during the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024, in Austin, Texas. | source: Getty Images |
Although Paramount's choice impacts multiple events, the cancellation of the CMT Music Awards has sparked the strongest responses. Fans swiftly turned to social media to voice their discontent, with some speculating whether recent transformations in country music had any influence.
"Absolutely disgraceful because I was looking forward to that event," one user vented. Another questioned, "They scared of Beyoncé or something?" referring to the singer's recent triumphs in the country genre.
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| Beyoncé accepts the Album of the Year award for "Cowboy Carter" onstage with Blue Ivy Carter at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 02, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | source: Getty Images |
Another user speculated, "They probably decided to call it a day when Beyoncé won her big country award." Others pondered broader shifts within the industry. "Country just isn't country like it was 20 years ago…" one comment noted. Someone else remarked, "Good! The less country music the better!"
Others feel the genre has drifted too far from its origins. "I'm not surprised. True country music fans are completely disgusted with what the industry has become. It's horrible!! The 'new' country music isn't TRUE country music at all. It's SAD!!!!!" one user wrote.
Another added, "I'm glad it's canceled. It's not really country anymore." Some pointed to specific incidents that might have prompted the cancellation. "After Beyoncé winning a Grammy for Country artist, it's no wonder that the CMT Awards will be canceled!!"
However, not everyone places blame on the singer. "Don't blame Beyonce for doing a CM song, many CM musicians have sang a pop. CM hasn't been CM for years. I am a CM fan, raised on it! And, I think the CM award should have went to Lainy Wilson, who deserved it! It was a disappointment [sic]," one person commented.
With the fate of the CMT Music Awards uncertain, fans are reminiscing about its enduring impact on the country music scene. The 2024 edition of the event, held at Austin's Moody Center on April 7, was a glittering spectacle. It honored country legends while delivering memorable performances.
That evening, legendary acts such as Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson paid tribute to Toby Keith, the cherished country icon who passed away in February 2024. The show also featured performances by Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Sugarland, and Cody Johnson, among others.
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| Trisha Yearwood speaks during the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024, in Austin, Texas | source: Getty Images |
Kelsea Ballerini returned as the host, adding to the excitement. She was also nominated for the prestigious Video of the Year award, competing against Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson, HARDY, and Cody Johnson.
Unlike many awards determined by industry professionals, the CMT Music Awards have always stood out for their fan-driven methodology. Over the years, Carrie Underwood has excelled in the Video of the Year category, earning 10 victories—the highest of any artist.
Other artists with multiple wins include Keith Urban and Toby Keith, underscoring the show's role in celebrating country music's top talents.
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| Keith Urban performs during the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024, in Austin, Texas.| source: Getty Images |
As supporters await news on whether the event will return in 2026, one fact is evident—the CMT Music Awards have left an indelible impression on the industry. Whether this represents a temporary break or a permanent goodbye, the show’s legacy and significance will not fade anytime soon.
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