Naomi Judd Slams CMT Music Awards in Open Letter to ‘The Tennessean’

Naomi Judd Slams CMT Music Awards in Open Letter to ‘The Tennessean’

Naomi Judd, Country music legend and one half of famous mother-daughter duo The Judds, isn’t very happy with CMT. The singer recently submitted an open letter to The Tennessean to express her distaste for the recent CMT Music Awards show.

Topping the issues she had with the June 5 awards ceremony, was the show’s George Jones tribute (or lack thereof). “George Jones is to country music what The Beatles are to pop, the Rolling Stones to rock, Elvis to rockabilly, Mozart to classical and Aretha to soul,” Judd wrote. “Yet, the ‘Country’ Music Television awards show allowed only a ‘by the way’ mention of Jones’ death and legacy.”

“Incongruously, they chose alternative music group the Mavericks to perform their short version of George’s “The Race Is On,” she added.

The singer also wasn’t happy with the variety of artists who appeared on the show. “Every year, CMT includes artists of unrelated genres, many of whom some country music fans don’t even know,” she disputed. “I suggest the CMT Awards show change its name. Perhaps to ‘the Multi-Genre Awards Show, Featuring Artists under 30.'”

Judd closed her letter with an acknowledgement of the backlash she’s anticipating after her letter is seen by the network. “I realize speaking out will cause me to now be forever banned by CMT. But I’m tired of folks messing with my country music. Especially when it involves my dear friend George Jones.”

Watch the George Jones tribute below…

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Naomi?