The County Music Association is addressing reports that singer Sammy Kershaw’s request to walk the red carpet at the awards show was denied.
“In recent days, several artists and their fans have spoken out about this year’s CMA Awards red carpet guidelines,” a statement shared via the official CMA Instagram began on Monday, November 9. “Like any major televised event, the red carpet has criteria that exists to help manage limited space and the security needs for both the artists and the media. We are deeply sorry anyone felt excluded by those decisions.”
The message noted that the official mission of the organization is “to honor the history and celebrate the excellence of Country Music.”
“With this 60th anniversary year, we are working extra hard to simultaneously spotlight the last six decades, while also celebrating what has been a tremendous year in 2026,” the statement read. “It’s not easy to do all of that in just one night, but we are up for the challenge.”
The statement concluded, “We also know this is about more than a red carpet, and we are committed to keep listening and keep finding ways to make sure all artists feel welcome and at home here. To that point, we are in touch with Sammy Kershaw’s team and look forward to continuing that conversation.”
Days before, Kershaw, 68, made headlines when he announced that he “found out some disappointing news” regarding the upcoming CMA Awards.
“I have to share my disappointment with the CMA as they have denied my request to walk the red carpet for a few minutes at this year’s CMA Awards, and I have to say I’m pretty sad about it,” he wrote via Facebook on November 5. “My wife, Mendy, and I don’t get to attend these events very often, due to touring and schedule conflicts.”
He continued, “After adjusting my touring schedule, booking our flights and hotels, she was really looking forward to us sharing a special evening together celebrating country music. Then, to find out I was denied the red carpet two weeks before the show, after being strung along for several months and expecting we would be attending, WTF?”
Kershaw noted that he’s had “more than 50 years in this business, many millions of records and singles streamed and sold, more than two dozen Billboard charted hits, a CMA Horizon Award nomination,” is a lifetime CMA member and has been asked to “donate my time” to play at CMA Fest — adding that he “would hope” he had “earned the opportunity to walk the red carpet alongside my wife, as we’ve done before.”
“I’m blessed to still be out on tour every year, performing for the greatest fans in the world and doing what I love,” he wrote. “I believe there should be room to recognize the artists who have spent their lives contributing to this organization’s success.”
He continued, “I love country music, but never in a million years would I think that a successful country music entertainer (and I’m not the only one) would not be able to walk the red carpet. It’s extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing. I guess the next time I attend the CMA’s, it will be in tribute after I’m gone, if I’m lucky.”
Fellow county music stars, including Riley Green and Carley Pearce, shared their support for Kershaw.
“If you haven’t earned the right to be there then nobody has… disappointing to say the least,” Green, 38, commented on Kershaw’s Instagram statement, while Pearce, 36, added, “Many of us wouldn’t be here without artists like you… ❤️.”
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC and Disney+ Wednesday, November 18.
