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
Luke Combs Joins Brooks & Dunn to Kick off 2020 CMT Awards
Even he could barely believe it afterward.
Blake Shelton: Awards Shows Are 'Beginning to Lose Credibility'
"Fan-voted awards to me are really the only stand-up awards shows left in our industry."
Carrie Underwood Still Winningest Artist in CMT Awards History
With her two wins at the 2020 CMT Music Awards, Carrie Underwood re-set, and then re-set again, the record for most career wins at the awards show.
See the 2020 CMT Music Awards Winners — Full List
Ashley McBryde and Dan + Shay are among the most-nominated artists this year.
2020 CMT Music Awards: Everything You Need to Know
The 2020 CMT Music Awards are set for Wednesday night (Oct. 21).
2020 CMT Music Awards: The Performers List
Nearly two dozen artists will perform during the 2020 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night (Oct. 21).
Jennifer Nettles to Receive Inaugural CMT Equal Play Award
The Sugarland member and solo artist will receive the honor during Wednesday night's (Oct. 21) 2020 CMT Music Awards.
Taylor Swift Is a 2020 CMT Music Awards Presenter
Brandi Carlile, Kelly Clarkson and more will also be presenting awards during the 2020 CMT Music Awards.
Ashley McBryde Is Co-Hosting the 2020 CMT Music Awards
Ashley McBryde joins Kane Brown and Sarah Hyland as the third and final 2020 CMT Music Awards co-host.
Sam Hunt, Shania Twain + More Added as 2020 CMT Awards Performers
More 2020 CMT Music Awards performers have been revealed.