Sammy Kershaw Releases New Statement Following CMA Controversy
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When country music veteran Sammy Kershaw was denied access to the CMA Awards red carpet, an internet frenzy began.
After addressing the situation in an initial social media statement last week, Kershaw has returned with an update. On Tuesday, November 10th, he shared an official statement that began:
“First, I want to sincerely say THANK YOU to the thousands of fans, fellow artists, friends, and people throughout the country music community who have spoken up over the past several days. I am truly humbled beyond words. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, and touched my heart in ways I will never forget.”
The country music community rallied behind the “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” singer when the situation first unfolded. Stars including Riley Green, Pam Tillis, Mark Chesnutt, and more spoke out in support of their fellow artist. Kershaw reflects on the recent days and writes:
“As this story continued to unfold, it became clear from many thousands of people that this wasn’t just about me. It was for those who came before me, the men and women who gave us their hearts, their voices, their lives to country music. The ones who rode those highways long before there were tour buses. The ones who played the honky-tonks and sacrificed time away from their families. This is about something much bigger than me or any one artist. Those artists didn’t just give country music its sound. They gave it its soul.”
CMA shared their response to the situation on Monday, November 9th, revealing that they were in touch with Kershaw and his team in hopes of finding a resolution. The country star explains:
“Over the past several days, we have been in talks with CMA leadership in hopes of finding a positive resolution.
While I was disappointed with the time it took for the CMA to publicly respond, and felt their statement fell short of addressing the heart of the issue, I also believe in giving people the opportunity to make things right.”
Sammy Kershaw Will Walk The CMA Awards Red Carpet
In his statement, Sammy Kershaw has confirmed that he has been offered and has accepted an invitation to attend the CMA Awards on November 18th. He writes:
“I’m pleased to share that we’ve since had a sincere and meaningful private conversation with CMA leadership. They have acknowledged how this situation was handled and extended a sincere, heartfelt apology, which I have personally accepted.
The CMA has also extended an invitation for my wife, Mendy, and me to walk the red carpet and attend this year’s awards alongside our fellow artists. I am grateful for that invitation and appreciate their willingness to listen, acknowledge our concerns, and work toward a positive outcome.”
Additionally, Kershaw reflects on the broader conversation that began as a result of the circumstances.
“Perhaps the most important thing to come from all of this is the conversation we’ve started about the importance of recognizing the generations of artists who helped make country music what it is today, whether their name is still in the headlines or their songs are simply living on in the hearts of the people who grew up listening to them.”
He continues:
“My sincere hope is that the conversations we’ve begun with the CMA will lead to lasting change and an even greater appreciation and recognition of our industry’s legacy artists for many years to come.
Because the spotlight may move on, the charts may change, and the years may pass. But the people who built country music should never be forgotten.”
Finally, the 68-year-old expressed his sincere gratitude to the country music family who “stood up and made their voices heard.”
