Paramount Delays CMT Music Awards, EMAs, and Other Events
Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts and Brittney Spencer Rick Kern/Getty Images for CMT
Paramount has decided to postpone several significant events, most notably the 2025 Country Music Television (CMT) Awards.
This decision comes as Paramount Global prepares for an upcoming merger with Skydance Media. According to The Hollywood Reporter, multiple events scheduled for 2025 have been delayed, including the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), the CMT Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico, and the MTV MIAW Awards, which honors Latin American music.
Details about the postponements were communicated in a memo from Paramount president Bruce Gillmer, as reported by THR. This pause will not influence the VMAs or the Kids’ Choice Awards in the U.S., and the timeline for the postponed events remains unclear.
“We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we aim to reimagine and optimize our events lineup going forward,” read Gillmer’s memo. “Our world-class events are a vital part of Paramount’s music portfolio as we strive to maintain high standards in providing iconic performances and memorable moments that resonate with pop culture. We are fortunate to have the best team in the industry and appreciate your hard work in making these events happen.”
Awards season is gearing up, and Us Weekly is marking the calendar for the Oscars, Grammys, and all primary ceremonies in 2025. Kicking off are the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards in January, which feature several nominees including Angelina Jolie (Maria), Demi Moore (The Substance), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked). […]
In April 2024, the CMT Awards took place at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, with Kelsea Ballerini hosting. That August, Paramount disclosed plans for a 15 percent reduction in workforce in the U.S. aimed at saving $500 million, as reported by Variety. This strategy was followed by three phases of layoffs, the exit of various top executives, and the closure of Paramount TV Studios.
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT
In July 2024, the announcement of Paramount’s merger with Skydance was made, as reported by AP News.
“In light of industry changes, we aim to strengthen Paramount for the future while keeping content as our top priority,” stated Shari Redstone, a controlling stakeholder and chair of Paramount Global, during the $8 billion merger announcement.
John Shearer/WireImage for CMT Kelsea Ballerini is returning to host the 2024 CMT Music Awards for the fourth consecutive year, though she will be flying solo this time. “I am thrilled to be back for my fourth year with my CMT family to host the CMT Music Awards this year in Austin,” […]
The news about Paramount’s cancellations of awards shows comes amidst several legal disputes for the company. One such case involves investors who lodged a complaint against Paramount in Delaware Chancery Court, claiming the merger is disproportionately advantageous for Redstone, as detailed by THR.
Furthermore, because Paramount owns CBS, the merger with Skydance requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Notably, President Trump-appointed FCC chairman Brandon Carr is examining allegations that CBS’s 60 Minutes engaged in “significant and intentional news distortion” during an interview with Kamala Harris. Trump previously filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS concerning that segment.
