CMA (Country Music Assosciation) ProfileIn recent days, news around the CMA Awards has focused on Sammy Kershaw’s allegations that he was snubbed on the red carpet. Now, the CMA has issued an apology.
On Friday (6 November), Kershaw took to social media to voice his hurt after his request to walk the CMA Awards red carpet was allegedly denied.
“Well, I just found out some disappointing news, and it really hurts me. 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.
Adding that he and his wife, Mendy, don’t often attend events like the CMA Awards, he shared that they adjusted his touring schedule and organised flights and hotels to attend.
He continued, “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 has had over two dozen Billboard-charting country songs, is a lifetime CMA member, and has released sixteen studio albums, five of which have been gold or platinum hits. He has had nine top 10 singles, including 1993’s #1 hit She Don't Know She's Beautiful.
In his post, Kershaw said he believes “there should be room” for recognising artists who have spent their lives contributing to country music and, by extension, the CMA.
He concluded, “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.”
Responding to his claims, Robert’s Western World, Broadway’s authentic honky-tonk, offered to host a celebration for Kershaw.
CMA has now issued an apology to Kershaw on its Instagram account, posted today (10 November, Australian time).
“In recent days, several artists and their fans have spoken out about this year’s CMA Awards red carpet guidelines,” the statement began.
It continued, “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 organisation added that its mission is to honour the history and celebrate country music excellence as it enters its 60th year. “We are working extra hard to simultaneously spotlight the last six decades, while also celebrating what has been a tremendous year in 2026. It’s not easy to do all of that in just one night, but we are up for the challenge,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Riley Green, Drew Baldridge, Jake Owen, and Carly Pearce all showed support for Kershaw, as did his peers Mark Chesnutt and Rodney Atkins.
