Country Music Stars Come to Campus for the CMT Awards

By Paulina Pearson

Reporting Texas TV

AUSTIN, Texas – The Country Music Television Awards took the University of Texas campus by storm on Sunday.

The music video awards began in Nashville in the 1960s and moved to Austin in 2023.

Singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini hosted the show at the Moody Center.

Ballerini introduced country singers including Cody Johnson, who opened with the song “That’s Texas,” and Megan Moroney, who sang “No Caller ID” and was nominated for CMT Female Video of the Year and Digital-First Performance of the Year.

The UT band and cheerleading team greeted stars outside the Moody Center. The red carpet did not disappoint as it welcomed icons such as John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June Carter Cash, who reflected on the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award presented to Trisha Yearwood. The award recognizes those dedicated to their community.

“The music industry is about love and community, and it’s about humanitarian efforts sometimes within the culture of the music industry itself,” Cash said.

Many singers expressed support for Beyoncé, who is breaking country music boundaries with her new album, “Cowboy Carter.” Carlene Carter, June Carter Cash’s daughter, strutted the red carpet in a glittery jacket with “Carter Girl” displayed on the back.

Prana Supreme Diggs, from the mother/daughter country duo O.N.E. The Duo, emphasized female empowerment.

“Especially as Black women, we’re put into a box we’re supposed to be, and boxes are boring,” Diggs said. “I hope that’s what people get from our music.”

Emerging artist Dasha performed her new single “Austin,” Jelly Roll performed “Halfway to Hell,” and Lainey Wilson delivered an emotional Toby Keith tribute. Keith’s family was in attendance, shedding tears as they held up red solo cups while Wilson sang his hit, “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

The CMT Awards are the only fan-voted country music awards show. Fan voting for “Video of the Year” remained open during the show. Nominees included Lainey Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine,” Cody Johnson’s “The Painter,” and Jelly Roll’s “Need a Favor.” Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, dominated the stage as he won three awards: Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year.

“I’m having the best night of my life,” he said during an acceptance speech. “It’s important that I stand up here tonight and represent those that are looking for second chances.”

The UT Tower lawn was well-occupied the Wednesday and Friday nights before Sunday’s show, with performances from stars such as Jason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman and Kelsea Ballerini. Other pre-show activities included fireworks and a moonlit tower.