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
Watch Sam Hunt Shut Down Broadway for ‘Downtown’s Dead’
Hunt strolled down Nashville's Broadway for his performance.
Country Stars Enjoy the 2018 CMT Music Awards Party [PICTURES]
Bridgestone Arena was Party Central on Wednesday night (June 6)!
2018 CMT Music Awards: Here's a Full List of Performances
The 2018 CMT Music Awards performance lineup is stacked!
2018 CMT Music Awards: See All the Red Carpet Looks [PICTURES]
Lookin' good, ladies and gents!
Underwood, Bentley + More Warm Up for 2018 CMT Music Awards
The stars are getting ready for their performances at the 2018 CMT Music Awards!
News Roundup: 2018 CMT Music Awards Presenters Revealed + More
At the 2018 CMT Music Awards, Johnny Knoxville and Olympian Lindsey Vonn will present some of the evening's biggest honors.
Little Big Town Say They'll Play Nice at 2018 CMT Music Awards
Don't expect any onstage roasting ...
The Boot News Roundup: CMA Fest Fan Club Parties + More
Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Morgan Evans and more country artists are planning special fan events during the festival.
Bentley + BROS to Collaborate at 2018 CMT Music Awards
Also, Darius Rucker with Jason Aldean, Charles Kelley and Luke Bryan and more have been added to the performances lineup.