The CMT Music Awards is an annual, fan-voted awards show that focuses on country music videos and televised performances. The event started out in 1967, when it was known as the Music City News Awards after the now-defunct Music City News magazine, and featured categories that focused on artists themselves instead of performances. Early on, a panel of judges voted to determine the winners, but the show's now-beloved format of fan voting was instated in 1988, allowing listeners to vote for their favorite artists by phone or mail. In 2001, the show began broadcasting on CMT, where it became first the CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards and then, finally, the CMT Music Awards in 2005. By 2002, the show had fully shifted to represent a focus on music videos and televised country music performances.
CMT Music Awards
Stapleton, Ballerini + More Performing at 2018 CMT Music Awards
The 2018 CMT Music Awards will take place on June 6.
Ballerini, Rhett + More Earn 2018 CMT Music Awards Nominations
Ballerini also helped do the honors ...
Charles Esten Taps Big Country Stars for 2017 CMT Music Awards' Opening Skit [WATCH]
Charles Esten kicked off the 2017 CMT Music Awards with a hilarious and star-studded sketch.
Thomas Rhett Brings 'Craving You' to the 2017 CMT Music Awards
Thomas Rhett performed "Craving You" at the 2017 CMT Awards -- but this time, without singing partner Maren Morris.
Miranda Lambert Sings 'Pink Sunglasses' at 2017 CMT Music Awards
Miranda Lambert performed her song "Pink Sunglasses" at the 2017 CMT Music Awards.
Urban, Underwood Stun With 'The Fighter' at 2017 CMT Awards
Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood performed a slowed-down, stripped-back version of "The Fighter" at the 2017 CMT Music Awards.
Gregg Allman Tribute Opens 2017 CMT Music Awards [WATCH]
The 2017 CMT Music Awards began with a tribute to the late Gregg Allman.
2017 CMT Music Awards Performance List
More than a dozen country stars will perform during the 2017 CMT Music Awards.
2017 CMT Music Awards Winners List
Congratulations to all of 2017's CMT Music Awards winners!
2017 CMT Music Awards Bring the Party to Nashville [PICTURES]
As always, the CMT Music Awards are likely to be one giant party in 2017.