The beloved Ameripolitan Awards, founded by country music artist Dale Watson, will not take place in 2025 due to financial constraints, the singer confirmed. Although the event is not being permanently canceled, it will be put on an indefinite hiatus.
As December progressed without announcements regarding nominees or scheduled events, fans began to worry. Watson shared the news, revealing the difficult decision to pause the event.
“Every year, Celine [Lee] and I work tirelessly starting right after the awards are over,” Watson explained. “Right after cleanup, I pay the leftover expenses, which go into the tens of thousands. I personally can’t afford it anymore.” Watson added, “I wish the awards could continue, and if some monetary windfall happened to sponsor it, it would be on like Donkey Kong… I am sad that deserving newcomers will not get the recognition this year, but we will try to spotlight them through our socials.”
The announcement comes after what many longtime attendees considered the most successful year for the Ameripolitan Awards in 2024. That year, the event was held at Austin’s Moody Theater—home to Austin City Limits—and was later broadcast on AXS TV. In addition to the awards ceremony, the weekend includes showcases featuring past, present, and future nominees.
2024 Ameripolitan winners included Kaitlin Butts, Reckless Kelly, Billy Don Burns, Kelsey Waldon, Brennen Leigh, Sterling Drake, Teddy and the Rough Riders, Kyle Eldridge, and the Carolyn Sills Combo, among others. Although the 2025 event will not take place, Watson and the team plan to continue supporting emerging talent through social media platforms.
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