The BMI Country Awards will be held online this year instead of in Nashville, due to COVID-19. The annual event, which honors the biggest songwriters in country music, will be a virtual event, in light of the ongoing pandemic

“While we would have loved to gather together for our annual tribute to the best in country music, it’s just not possible this year,” Clay Bradley, VP, Creative, Nashville, said via Music Row. “But as BMI always does, we will give our family of songwriters and publishers a special celebration to honor their achievements and their incredible songs, even during this unusual season. Now more than ever, music is a healing and inspiring force and we are grateful for all of our songwriters and their creative artistry.”

The news comes as Nashville remains in a modified Phase 2, after briefly entering Phase 3, before returning back to Phase 2 as cases of COVID-19 continued to rise. Nashville is expected to stay in the modified Phase 2, which allows restaurants to be open at 50 percent capacity, but keeps bars closed, through at least August 16.

The CMA Awards, traditionally held one night after the CMA Awards, have yet to announce what their plans are for the 2020 ceremony. The ACM Awards, which were originally scheduled for April 5 in Las Vegas, have been moved to September 16, and will take place at three Nashville locations: the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. More details on the ACM Awards have yet to be announced.

Instead of having one night dedicated to the BMI Country Awards ceremony, a special online tribute will be available at BMI.com. BMI has already stated they will resume the in-person ceremony in 2021, in their new climate-controlled event space.

The BMI Country Awards, now in its 68th year, will still honor the Country Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, as well as the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. Last year’s event honored Dwight Yoakam, Nicolle Galyon, and Ross Copperman, among others. More details will be announced as available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of BMI