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
CMT Music Awards Move to April, and to CBS, for 2022
The CMT Music Awards are making a big (big!) move in 2022.
2021 CMT Music Awards: 5 Burning Questions + What You Missed
How did the new hosting team do? That's part of question No. 5 in this 5 Burning Questions video.
WATCH: Lady A Share the Stage to Open 2021 CMT Music Awards
The Shindellas, Catie Offerman and more joined Lady A, Carly Pearce and Lindsay Ell for "Like a Lady."
Carly Pearce Had 'Hottest Date' at the 2021 CMT Awards: Her Dog
The "Next Girl" singer brought her furry friend to the red carpet.
See Carrie Underwood and Needtobreathe Perform 'I Wanna Remember'
The rock group and country powerhouse joined forces at the 2021 CMT Music Awards to perform their new duet.
Lindsay Ell's Broken Foot Is a Lesson for Dog Owners
The singer literally rolled around backstage during the show, riding a scooter that offered a message to anyone worried that she might be playing the victim card.
WATCH: Chris Stapleton, H.E.R.'s CMT Awards Perf. Is Understated
The pair teamed up to perform her song "Hold On" at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.
PICS: The 2021 CMT Music Awards Red Carpet Was Smokin'!
Hot pink is very in for 2021.
Maren Morris, Gabby Barrett Won't Be at 2021 CMT Awards After All
After being announced as performers at the 2021 CMT Music Awards, both Maren Morris and Gabby Barrett have bowed out of the Wednesday night (June 9) show.