Sammy Kershaw Calls Out CMA Over Awards Show Red Carpet Snub
on • Updated
’90s country star Sammy Kershaw has called out the Country Music Association after it denied his request to walk the red carpet at the upcoming CMA Awards.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards are slated to take place on November 18, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Dubbed “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” the awards ceremony brings together some of the biggest names in the industry to celebrate chart, album, and career success from the previous year, as well as lifetime achievements and tributes to those we’ve lost.
Ahead of the 2026 CMA Awards ceremony, CEO Sarah Trahern shared that the show would also pay tribute to ’90s country music, with special attention paid to set design details and even some performances as an ode to the decade.
One thing that will be missing is the attendance of some of the ’90s’ biggest stars.
Sammy Kershaw “Hurt” By The CMA
On Thursday evening, country star Sammy Kershaw shared a message on social media calling out the CMA Awards. In the statement, Kershaw revealed that he and his wife had been denied the opportunity to walk the red carpet at this year’s event.
“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,” Sammy wrote.
He added that he isn’t often given the opportunity to attend industry events due to his busy schedule, so he was excited to attend this year. After rearranging his schedule and booking flights and a hotel, and “being strung along for several months,” Kershaw was told that he would not be allowed to participate.
He further added, “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.”
The post immediately caught the attention of fans who were outraged at the news. As of press time, thousands of comments of support have been posted, including one from Riley Green, who wrote:
“If you haven’t earned the right to be there then nobody has… disappointing to say the least.”
Sammy Kershaw’s Manager Issued a Statement To Country Rebel
In a statement to Country Rebel, Kershaw’s manager shared more details about the CMA’s decision and revealed that Sammy is not planning to attend the awards ceremony. The statement read:
“Sammy was denied red carpet access because they received an overwhelming number of artist requests for the red carpet and awards show. He didn’t meet their updated criteria, BUT he could purchase tickets for the CMA Awards. However, they couldn’t guarantee that he and his wife would be seated with the other artists if he purchased the tickets, which are roughly $800+ apiece. As of right now, Sammy is now not planning to attend.”
About Sammy Kershaw
Sammy Kershaw was one of the most recognizable male voices of the ’90s. His debut album, Don’t Go Near The Water, was released in 1991 and became his first platinum-certified album.
He went on to record 15 more albums, two of which would earn RIAA platinum certifications and two would earn gold certifications.
Kershaw’s credits include 25 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Among those are his No. 1 song “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” and Top 10 singles, “Cadillac Style,” “Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer,” “Third Rate Romance,” and “Love of My Life.”
Sammy Kershaw was nominated for the CMA’s Horizon Award (now known as New Artist of the Year) in 1993. He was up against Trisha Yearwood, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Lawrence, and Mark Chesnutt, who won the category.
To date, Sammy Kershaw’s videos have nearly 150 million views on YouTube, a testament to his impact on country music.
