The 2025 CMT Music Awards are officially on pause as Paramount Global continues its merger with Skydance Media. The MTV Europe Music Awards, MTV Millennial Awards and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico are also affected, adding to other cuts Paramount has made since 2024.
The long-running country music awards — originally called the CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards – launched in 2002, and has separated itself from other country awards shows by focusing on music videos and allowing fans to vote on the winners.
Paramount executive Bruce Gillmer informed his staff in an internal memo that because of the merger, certain events would be “paused” in 2025: 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 -President, Music, Music Talent, Programming and Events, Media Networks and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+”
The 2024 CMT Music Awards took place in Austin, Texas last April hosted by Kelsea Ballerini. Jelly Roll’s “Need a Favor” video won Video of the Year, one of three awards he’d win that night. Viewership was estimated at 5.4 million viewers on CBS.
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