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
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!
Wynonna Judd and Ashley McBryde Stun at CMT Music Awards
It was one of the most memorable collaborations of the night.
Hardy + Lainey Wilson Earn CMT Collaborative Video of the Year
Wilson and Hardy made for a truly epic team-up.
Kelsea Ballerini Addresses Gun Violence at 2022 CMT Music Awards
"I pray deeply that the closeness and the community we feel through the next few hours of music can soon turn into action," Ballerini said.
Tyler Hubbard Goes 'Dancin' in the Country' at the 2023 CMTs
Hubbard brought the party with a live rendition of 'Dancin' in the Country,' the title track of his first solo EP.
Blake Shelton Opens 2023 CMT Music Awards With 'No Body'
This was an exciting start to the awards show night.
Jelly Roll Snags First-Ever CMT Music Award
It's his first country music award.
Zac Brown Band Win Group/Duo Video of the Year at the 2023 CMTs
This win was a group effort -- no pun intended.
![CMT Music Awards 2023: Country Stars Walk the Red Carpet [PHOTOS]](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2023/04/attachment-cmt-music-awards-2023-red-carpet.jpg?w=980&q=75)
CMT Music Awards 2023: Country Stars Walk the Red Carpet [PHOTOS]
See what your favorite country artists are wearing as they make their way into tonight's CMT Music Awards.