Sammy Kershaw says CMA denied his red-carpet request as country artists offer support

Sammy Kershaw performance photo, via Saving Country Music.

Sammy Kershaw says the Country Music Association denied his request to walk the red carpet at the 2026 CMA Awards, prompting public support from fellow country artists. In a statement shared on November 5, the Louisiana singer described the rejection as a disappointment after he and his wife, Mendy, had made plans to attend the November 18 ceremony in Nashville.

Kershaw said he had adjusted his touring schedule and booked flights and hotel accommodations so they could share the evening. He wrote that he learned of the decision two weeks before the show after months of waiting. He also cited his lifetime CMA membership, which he said dates to 1992, a previous Horizon Award nomination and time he had donated to performing at CMA Fest. He called the experience “extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing.”

Riley Green responded to Kershaw’s post with a message of support: “If you haven’t earned the right to be there, then nobody has.” Carly Pearce wrote that many artists would not be where they are without performers like Kershaw. Drew Baldridge offered Kershaw his own place on the carpet and credited him with helping establish the path for younger artists. Country Living reported those comments in its November 7 coverage.

Kershaw’s recordings include “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer” and “Cadillac Style,” songs associated with his run of hits in the 1990s. In his statement, he asked the association to recognize performers who had spent their careers contributing to its success. His complaint concerned his red-carpet request; the statement did not provide the CMA’s explanation for declining it.

On November 7, KALB reported that the association had not responded to the station’s phone and email inquiries. Kershaw’s manager, Billy Holland of The Holland Group, told KALB that developments might follow and that “a lot of things” were happening with the story. The report did not announce a reversal. The 60th CMA Awards will take place at Bridgestone Arena, with Lainey Wilson hosting. The CMA confirms a November 18 broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+.

Sources: Country Living: Riley Green and other artists respond to Sammy Kershaw’s CMA complaint | KALB: Sammy Kershaw’s manager comments on the red-carpet dispute | Saving Country Music: Sammy Kershaw’s statement | CMA: Official 60th CMA Awards announcement
Image: Sammy Kershaw performance photo, via Saving Country Music.