Why the CMT Music Awards aren't happening in 2025
Other newsmakers: Drew Baldridge, Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, and more
One of the biggest headlines in the world of country music last week was that the CMT Music Awards will not be returning in 2025. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Paramount is pausing several events this year, including the CMT Music Awards.
An internal memo from Paramount’s president Bruce Gillmer reads:
We are pausing a few events for 2025, as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward. These include the MTV EMAs, MTV MIAWs, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico, and CMT Music Awards.
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. We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life.
This may not be a permanent change, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we still have the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards coming up on May 5 and the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, which usually happens in November.
Speaking of award shows, there’s been a lot of chatter about Beyonce’s wins at the GRAMMY Awards for her album Cowboy Carter (which won Country Album of the Year and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II MOST WANTED” with Miley Cyrus).
Since art is subjective, I’ve always struggled with the concept of labeling something the “best” unless you’re measuring something quantitive like album sales. Here’s what the qualitative GRAMMY voting process looks like.
Newsmakers
Kenny Chesney to release first book on November 4
Country superstar Kenny Chesney is releasing his first book HEART*LIFE*MUSIC on November 4. The novel will describe his journey from East Tennessee dreamer to stadium headliner, as well as the people and places that have inspired him along the way.
“This is not my memoir,” Chesney cautions, “but something far better. It is almost a love letter to people who shaped and inspired me, the fans who’ve been there from tiny bars, radio stations who believed when nobody else did, a team who just kept coming back, legends who gave me wisdom and opportunities and all the friends who’ve been there along the way. To me, that’s where the music came from – and this is the story of how it turned into the soundtrack for the way No Shoes Nation lives their lives, too.”
Music Heals
Drew Baldridge Launches “The Tough People” Fund
Rising country music star Drew Baldridge launched “The Tough People Fund,” a GoFundMe campaign that will highlight those individuals, families, and communities that are experiencing the toughest of times.
Released in October 2024, the song “Tough People” was co-written by Baldridge, Luke Combs, Adam Sanders, and Jordan Walker.
Baldridge launched the campaign by directing efforts to raise funds for a young fan, Baker, who is bravely battling cancer. He learned that Baker found strength in his hit song “Tough People” as she underwent her treatments. Inspired by her resilience, Baldridge decided to take action and use his platform to support Baker and raise awareness for her fight.
Old Dominion raises $1.25 million for charity during Nashville residency
Reigning seven-time ACM and CMA Group of the Year Old Dominion celebrated their success with a seven-night residency from February 3-6 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Old Dominion’s 7 for 7 Ryman Residency raised $1.25 million for its seven charities: MusiCares, Save the Music, Backline Care, Opry Trust Fund, CMA Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Ramsey Foundation, The Shalom Foundation.
Play it again
February is starting off strong with new singles from Brett Eldredge, Runaway June, Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, Brett Young, and more.
Two new interesting collaborations to check out:
“Nothin On” Kelleigh Bannen with Charles Kelley (of Lady A)
“Live Lonely” Mason Ramsey with Harper Grace (American Idol alum)
Listen to our playlist here: