Country music’s biggest night is suddenly off the calendar. Fans expecting the 2025 CMT Music Awards were hit with unexpected news, sparking heated debates online.
The 2025 CMT Music Awards won’t be happening, and fans have a lot to say about it. Paramount has officially hit pause on the annual country music celebration, along with several other major events.In a memo sent to its employees, Bruce Gillmer, Paramount’s president of music, confirmed that the company is scaling back its event lineup. The decision affects not just the CMT Music Awards but also the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the MTV MIAWs, and Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico.
We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward,” Gillmer wrote. He emphasized that Paramount remains committed to delivering “iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture.”While Paramount’s decision impacts multiple events, the cancellation of the CMT Music Awards has drawn the strongest reactions. Fans quickly took to social media to share their frustration, with some questioning whether recent shifts in country music played a role.”Absolutely disgraceful because I was looking forward to that event,” one user fumed. Another asked, “They scared of Beyoncé or something?” referring to the singer’s recent success in the country genre.Another user speculated, “They probably decided to call it a day when Beyoncé won her big country award.” Others reflected on broader changes in the industry. “Country just isn’t country like it was 20 years ago…” one comment read. Someone else added, “Good! The less country music the better!”Others believe the genre has strayed too far from its roots. “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 moments that may have fueled the cancellation. “After Beyoncé winning a Grammy for Country artist, it’s no wonder that the CMT Awards will be canceled!!”However, not everyone blames 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 future of the CMT Music Awards uncertain, fans are reflecting on its long-standing influence in the country music world. The 2024 edition of the event, held at Austin’s Moody Center on April 7, was a star-studded affair. It honored country greats while delivering unforgettable performances.That night, legendary acts like Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson paid tribute to Toby Keith, the beloved country icon who passed away in February 2024. The show also featured performances from Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Sugarland, and Cody Johnson, among others.Unlike many industry-voted awards, the CMT Music Awards have always been unique for their fan-driven approach. Over the years, Carrie Underwood has dominated the Video of the Year category, securing 10 wins—the most of any artist.Other multiple-time winners include Keith Urban, and Toby Keith, proving the show’s role in celebrating country music’s biggest names.As fans await word on whether the event will return in 2026, one thing is clear—the CMT Music Awards have left an undeniable mark on the industry. Whether this is just a temporary pause or a permanent farewell, the show’s history and impact won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
