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
2019 CMT Music Awards: Go Behind the Scenes at Rehearsals
The big show's on Wednesday night (June 5)!
Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 CMT Music Awards
The annual awards show is coming up on Wednesday night (June 5)!
News Roundup: Luke Combs Crocs Available at CMA Fest 2019 + More
You'll have to get to Nashville to get your hands on these!
News Roundup: New 2019 CMT Music Awards Performers Added + More
It's gonna be a great show!
News Roundup: Little Big Town Hosting CMT Music Awards + More
It'll be their second consecutive year as host.
2018 in Review: June's 5 Biggest Country Music Headlines
As 2018 wraps up, The Boot is looking back at some of the best new music and biggest headlines of the year.