Rodney Atkins Becomes Latest Star To Reveal CMA Awards Red Carpet Snub
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Another legendary country singer has spoken out, saying they were denied red-carpet access for this year’s CMA Awards ceremony.
Platinum Recording Artist Rodney Atkins Reacts To Red Carpet Snub
Rodney Atkins, singer of the chart-topping hits “Watching You” and “It’s America,” announced Saturday that he would not be attending the 2026 CMA Awards after his request to walk the red carpet was denied by the Country Music Association.
In his post, Atkins wrote:
“After more than 20 years as a CMA member and countless CMA Fests I’ve played for free, Rose and I were denied red carpet clearance,” he said. “So we’ve decided not to attend this year’s CMA Awards.”
He added that he believes there should be a place for artists like Sammy Kershaw who “helped build the foundation of country music.”
The news about Rodney Atkins’ decision comes two days after country legend Sammy Kershaw shared with his fans that his request to walk the red carpet at the CMA Awards was rejected.
The announcement sparked a firestorm of criticism against the Country Music Association as fans and other country artists shared their disappointment. Riley Green, Carly Pearce, Mark Chessnut, and more came to Kershaw’s defense.
RELATED: COUNTRY ARTISTS DEFEND SAMMY KERSHAW AMID CMA AWARDS CONTROVERSY
Radio host and television personality Bobby Bones shared two videos about the situation on Instagram and expressed his shock over the CMA’s decision.
“One of the most bonkers things I’ve ever heard is that the CMAs wouldn’t let Sammy Kershaw walk the red carpet,” Bobby said. “That’s insane! Sammy Kershaw walked so a lot of the artists today could run.”
Bobby then offered Sammy Kershaw his place on the red carpet.
In a video posted to Facebook on Saturday, Bobby Bones called the situation “a PR disaster for the CMAs.” He further added that if Sammy Kershaw can’t walk the red carpet, he won’t be attending in solidarity.
Country Rebel has reached out to the Country Music Association for comment and clarification regarding the CMA red-carpet criteria.
About Rodney Atkins
Rodney Atkins was one of the most influential country artists of the early 2000s. He released his debut album in 2003, six years after charting his first Billboard single.
His second album was released in 2006, giving him his first two chart-topping songs: “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” and “Watching You.” Both songs earned the title of top country song of the year by Billboard Year-End for 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Two more Number 1 songs from his sophomore album followed: “These Are My People” and “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy).”
Atkins has since charted two more songs at No. 1, received six ACM Award nominations and two CMA Award nominations.
