The **CMT Music Awards** is an annual fan-voted awards show that celebrates the biggest stars in country music, focusing primarily on music videos and live performances. It originated in 1967 as the *Music City News Awards*, making it the longest-running country music awards program still active today. Over the decades, the event has undergone several rebrandings: it became the *TNN Music City News Country Awards* in 1990 after merging with the Nashville Network's Viewer’s Choice Awards, then *Country Weekly Presents the TNN Music Awards* in 2000, the *CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards* in 2002, and finally adopted the current name *CMT Music Awards* in 2005 after moving to the Country Music Television (CMT) network following MTV’s acquisition of CBS cable operations[1][3][4].
Distinct from other country music awards, the CMT Music Awards emphasize **fan participation**, with winners determined entirely by fan voting, a tradition carried over from its inception. The show is well-known for its *high-energy live performances*, which often take precedence over the trophy presentations, making it a unique blend of a concert and awards ceremony. This approach helped the show gain a younger, more mainstream audience, especially after CMT's takeover, when performances incorporated pop-style elements[3].
Throughout its history, the CMT Music Awards have showcased iconic moments and influential performances, such as Shania Twain’s 2002 performance of “I’m Gonna Get You Good” and Brooks & Dunn with ZZ Top's “Only In America”[3]. The event remains a key platform in country music, highlighting emerging talents and honoring established artists. In 2024, Trisha Yearwood was honored with the first-ever June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award, underscoring the show’s commitment to recognizing contributions beyond music[2].
Today, the CMT Music Awards continue to air on CMT, attracting millions of viewers with it