Country singer Sammy Kershaw is calling out the organizers of the 2026 CMA Awards.
The 68-year-old “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” singer is alleging that they will not allow him to walk the red carpet at the Country Music Association’s show, set to air on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sammy Kershaw Publicly Calls Out the Country Music Association
In a statement posted to Instagram, he shared, “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.”
“My wife, Mendy, and I don’t get to attend these events very often, due to touring and schedule conflicts. 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?”
He continued, “After 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, being a lifetime CMA member, that they presented to me in 1992, and being asked to donate my time to play CMA Fest, I would hope I’ve earned the opportunity to walk the red carpet alongside my wife, as we’ve done before.”
He continued, “I’m blessed to still be out on tour every year, performing for the greatest fans in the world and doing what I love. I believe there should be room to recognize the artists who have spent their lives contributing to this organization’s success. 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.”
Sammy Kershaw Called the Decision “Embarrassing,” & Noted The Next Time He’ll Attend is Possibly During an In Memoriam
He added, “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 Country Singer Sammy Kershaw Says CMA Awards Won’t Allow Him to Walk 2026 Red Carpet, Slams Decision as ‘Hurtful’ & ‘Embarrassing’ appeared first on Just Jared – Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
