2025 CMT Awards paused ahead of Paramount merger: Here's why, what to know
2025 CMT Awards paused ahead of Paramount merger: Here's why, what to know
This year's CMT Awards have been put on pause in the midst of parent company Paramount Global's upcoming merge with David Ellison's Skydance Media.
The merger, which is slated to close in the first half of the year, has caused the company to hit pause on a number of events in the first half of 2025, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Other cancelled events include the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Mexico and the MTV MIAWs (previously called the MTV Millennial Awards), which is a ceremony that honors Latin American music.
Unaffected awards ceremonies include the VMAs and Kids' Choice Awards.
Why are the CMT Awards canceled?
The news came from Paramount Global executive Bruce Gillmer in a memo he sent out to staff, which was obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
The company will be taking the chance to 'reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward" in the face of the merger, he said.
'Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount's music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture," Gillmer continued.
"We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life.'
The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network, has reached out to Paramount for comment.
2025 CMT Awards cancellation interrupts long-running status
The halt of the 2025 CMT Awards ceases the awards show's status as one of the longest-running country music ceremonies; the CMTS began in 1967, coming onto the scene only a year after the ACMs were established in 1966.
The awards show was originally called the Music City News Awards and was rebranded in the 2005 after the ceremony moved to CMT.
More: Jelly Roll wins big at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, other top moments
The fan-voted awards show honors the best music videos and television performances in country music.
Last year's top honors went to Jelly Roll, who took home three trophies, winning video of the year for "Need a Favor," male video of the year and CMT performance of the year.
Audrey Gibbs is a music reporter at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com.
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