The CMT Music Awards aren’t just another award show – they’re a platform for iconic moments. Remember when a young Taylor Swift first walked away with CMT trophies in 2007? Or the emotional tribute to Hurricane Katrina survivors, featuring Keith Urban alongside a powerful choir?
The show has seen its share of legendary performances: Willie Nelson joining forces with Darius Rucker, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, and Jamey Johnson for a smoky rendition of “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.”
And who could forget the unforgettable all-female powerhouse collaboration of Martina McBride, Brandi Carlile, Carly Pearce, Deana Carter, RaeLynn, Trisha Yearwood, and the legendary Tanya Tucker belting out “Delta Dawn”?
Then there was the tear-jerking reunion of The Judds in 2022, just weeks before Naomi Judd’s passing, as they delivered a heartfelt performance of “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
This beloved, fan-voted show returns to Austin, Texas, for another year of magic. “We’re thrilled to bring back the energy of Austin to the CMT Music Awards on CBS,” said the show’s executive producers in a statement.
They praised the city’s enthusiastic welcome, from the sold-out Moody Center crowd to the electrifying outdoor stage and the iconic Bevo mascot gracing the red carpet.
Get ready for April – the CMT Awards are back with world premieres, unexpected collaborations, and unforgettable moments that only country music can deliver.
When & Where the 2024 CMT Music Awards?
The 2024 CMT Music Awards will air LIVE from Moody Center in Austin on Sunday, April 7 on CBS from 8-11 p.m. ET/delayed PT.
The CMT Music Awards are coming back to Austin in 2024, and we couldn’t be more excited. As the “Live Music Capital of the World,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “Austin is no stranger to celebrating its vibrant music community and showcasing an eclectic array of musical talents. We’re proud that the CMT Music Awards are returning to Austin, and we can’t wait to welcome artists and visitors to our city.”
Who is hosting the 2024 CMT Music Awards?
Kelsea Ballerini will host for her fourth consecutive year. “I couldn’t be more excited to be back for my fourth year with my CMT family to host this year’s CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas,” Ballerini said in a statement. “Hosting an awards show that celebrates the music that the fans love most has been an honor and I know this year will be another unforgettable night.”
Who is nominated for the 2024 CMT Music Awards?
The nominees are as follows:
CMT Music Awards: Your Guide to the Video Categories
The CMT Music Awards celebrate the year’s best country music videos, and fan votes decide the winners! Here’s a breakdown of the key video categories:
Video of the Year (Top Nominees Announced April 1st, Final 3 Announced & Voted on Live April 7th)
- Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
- Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity” (This category allows collaborations)
- Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
- Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
- Darius Rucker – “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
- HARDY – “Truck Bed”
- Jason Aldean – “Let Your Boys Be Country”
- Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
- Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
- Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
- Kelsea Ballerini – “IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOIN’ DOWN TOO)”
- Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
- Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You” (This category allows collaborations)
- Parmalee – “Gonna Love You”
- Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
- Zach Bryan – “Nine Ball”
Genre-Specific Video of the Year
- Female Video of the Year: Nominees include Ashley McBryde, Gabby Barrett, Kacey Musgraves, and more!
- Male Video of the Year: Nominees include Cody Johnson, HARDY, Jelly Roll, and more!
- Duo/Group Video of the Year: Nominees include Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, and The War And Treaty!
- Collaborative Video of the Year: Nominees include Carly Pearce feat. Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown, and more!
Breakthrough Video of the Year
- Breakthrough Female Video of the Year: Nominees include rising stars like Anne Wilson and Ashley Cooke.
- Breakthrough Male Video of the Year: Nominees include Chayce Beckham, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan.
Voting
The top 6 nominees for Video of the Year are revealed on April 1st. Fans vote online to narrow these down to the final 3, which are announced on April 7th, the day of the awards show. During the live show, fans use social media to vote for the ultimate Video of the Year winner! So get ready to cast your vote and see who takes home the trophies!
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
The CMT Music Awards recognize not only music videos, but also incredible live performances on the network! Here are the categories:
CMT Performance of the Year
- Amber Riley – “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” (from CMT Smashing Glass)
- Bret Michaels & Chris Janson – “Nothing But a Good Time” (from CMT Crossroads)
- Carrie Underwood – “Hate My Heart” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
- Cody Johnson – “Human” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
- Dierks Bentley – “Drunk On A Plane” (from CMT Storytellers)
- Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
- Hozier & Maren Morris – “Take Me To Church” (from CMT Crossroads)
- Jelly Roll – “Need a Favor” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
- Kelsea Ballerini – “IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOIN’ DOWN TOO)” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
- The War And Treaty – “On My Own” (from CMT Smashing Glass)
These awards celebrate electrifying moments across CMT shows like CMT Crossroads and CMT Campfire Sessions.
CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year
The CMT world extends beyond television! This category highlights standout performances created specifically for CMT’s digital and social media platforms:
- Chase Rice – “Goodnight Nancy” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
- Dylan Scott – “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley Cover)” (from CMT Digital Campfire Sessions)
- Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty” (from CMT Digital Campfire Sessions)
- Nate Smith – “Whiskey On You” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
- Scotty McCreery – “It Matters To Her” (from CMT Stages)
- Stephen Wilson Jr. – “Year to Be Young 1994” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
- The Castellows – “I Know It Will Never End” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
These awards spotlight up-and-coming artists and exclusive content you can’t find anywhere else.
Who are the CMT Music Awards 2024 presenters?
The lineup of presenters includes:
| Amber Riley | | Billy Bob Thornton | | Carly Pearce | | Cody Alan | | Cody Johnson | | Emily Osment | | Emma Roberts | | Gayle King | | James Van Der Beek | | Jane Seymour | | Jelly Roll | | Max Thieriot | | Megan Moroney | | Melissa Etheridge | | Mickey Guyton | | Minnie Driver | | Montana Jordan | | Parmalee | | Paul Walter Hauser
Preview of 2024 CMT Music Awards
The late country star will be honored at the ceremony with a tribute that includes performances from Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson and Sammy Hagar, all backed by Toby’s longtime band, with special appearances by Lukas Nelson and Roger Clemens.
The 2024 CMT Music Awards are poised to electrify audiences with a night celebrating the best in country music, promising unforgettable performances, heartfelt moments, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
Set against the backdrop of Nashville, Tennessee, the heartland of country music, the 2024 CMT Music Awards are gearing up to showcase the genre’s brightest stars and rising talents. As the industry continues to evolve, this year’s awards ceremony is expected to reflect the diversity and innovation within country music, honoring both traditional sounds and contemporary influences.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the 2024 CMT Music Awards is the lineup of performances. With a roster that spans from established icons to fresh faces, viewers can expect a dynamic range of musical styles and collaborations that highlight the genre’s versatility. From soul-stirring ballads to boot-stomping anthems, each performance promises to captivate audiences and showcase the incredible talent within the country music community.
In addition to the performances, the 2024 CMT Music Awards will recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, including Video of the Year, Male and Female Video of the Year, Group Video of the Year, and Breakthrough Video of the Year, among others. The nominees represent the best of the best in country music, and the competition is sure to be fierce as artists vie for top honors.
Beyond the awards themselves, the 2024 CMT Music Awards are an opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite artists and celebrate the music that resonates with them on a personal level. With special moments that pay tribute to country music’s rich history and its enduring impact on popular culture, the ceremony serves as a reminder of the genre’s enduring legacy and its ability to bring people together across generations and backgrounds.
As the countdown to the 2024 CMT Music Awards begins, excitement is building among fans and artists alike. With its finger on the pulse of country music’s ever-changing landscape, this year’s ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future. So mark your calendars, tune in, and get ready to experience the magic of the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
