CMT's parent company, Paramount also cancelled a handful of other award shows for "optimization" and "reimagining."

Paramount hits pause on select events in 2025, including the CMT Music Awards and the MTV EMAs as its merger with Skydance Media is expected to close. Paramount Global is putting the brakes on several events this year,

CMT is among the Paramount divisions hit with extensive layoffs in 2024. Meanwhile, cable networks like Nickelodeon and MTV are reportedly not priorities for Skydance. Amid the company’s competitors shedding or restructuring cable networks, it’s possible those brands will be dropped from the Paramount portfolio altogether.

"We look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward," reads a staff memo obtained by THR. "Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount's music offering."

Are the CMT Music Awards cancelled? While the Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger is ongoing, Paramount awards shows like the CMTs are on pause. The company is in the proce