Country music’s biggest night is suddenly off the calendar. Fans expecting the 2025 CMT Music Awards were hit with unexpected news, sparking heated debates online.
The 2025 CMT Music Awards won’t be happening, and fans have a lot to say about it. Paramount has officially hit pause on the annual country music celebration, along with several other major events.
A fan comment dated February 8, 2025 | Source: Facebook/CountryNow
In a memo sent to its employees, Bruce Gillmer, Paramount’s president of music, confirmed that the company is scaling back its event lineup. The decision affects not just the CMT Music Awards but also the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the MTV MIAWs, and Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico.
“We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward,” Gillmer wrote. He emphasized that Paramount remains committed to delivering “iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture.”
Lainey Wilson accepts an award during the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024, in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
While Paramount’s decision impacts multiple events, the cancellation of the CMT Music Awards has drawn the strongest reactions. Fans quickly took to social media to share their frustration, with some questioning whether recent shifts in country music played a role.
“Absolutely disgraceful because I was looking forward to that event,” one user fumed. Another asked, “They scared of Beyoncé or something?” referring to the singer’s recent success in the country genre.
Beyoncé accepts the Album of the Year award for “COWBOY CARTER” onstage with Blue Ivy Carter at the 67th annual GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Another user speculated, “They probably decided to call it a day when Beyoncé won her big country award.” Others reflected on broader changes in the industry. “Country just isn’t country like it was 20 years ago…” one comment read.
As of now, there’s no word on whether the event will return in 2026 or if Paramount has plans to revive it in a different format. But one thing is clear—fans aren’t happy, and they’re making sure their voices
