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
Jelly Roll in Tears As He Claims CMT Male Video of the Year Win
"It may have looked like it was only 30 yards, but it took me 39 years to walk from there to here."
Kane + Katelyn Brown Bring Date Night to the 2023 CMTs Stage
The husband-and-wife team turned the CMT Music Awards stage into a romantic date night.
Darius Rucker + The Black Crowes Unite at the 2023 CMTs
This performance was an early-'90s flashback of 'She Talks to Angels.'
Carly Pearce Shines at the 2023 CMT Music Awards [Watch]
Pearce kept the crowd captivated with this magnetic performance.
Jelly Roll Shares Powerful, Gospel-Tinged 'Need a Favor' at CMTs
He gave a powerful, emotional performance.
Kelsea Ballerini Brings Color + Splunk to the 2023 CMTs STage
Talk about a memorable performance!
Keith Urban Rocks Out With 'Brown Eyes Baby' at the 2023 CMTs
His up-beat live energy is unmatched in the country genre.
Shania Twain Accepts Equal Play Award at 2023 CMT Music Awards
"Let us, the country music industry, do our part to close the gap and provide an equal workspace for all talent," Twain said.
Gary Clark Jr. Tributes Stevie Ray Vaughan at the 2023 CMTs
This sizzling tribute had the whole house rocking!