CMA Denies Sammy Kershaw Red Carpet Access
The Louisiana country singer says the Country Music Association rejected his credential request two weeks before the 60th CMA Awards.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Country
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Country singer Sammy Kershaw publicly criticized the Country Music Association after it denied his red carpet credential request for the 60th CMA Awards. Kershaw, a Kaplan, Louisiana native and lifetime CMA member, posted his disappointment on Facebook, a post with more than 840,000 followers.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions between a longtime artist and the industry body that once honored him, drawing attention to how the CMA handles access for veteran performers. The CMA has not publicly responded to Kershaw's comments.
Kershaw has roughly 50 years in music and two dozen Billboard charted hits, and his Facebook post reached more than 840,000 followers. The CMA has not publicly explained the denial of his credential request.
The players
Sammy Kershaw
A Louisiana country singer from Kaplan with about 50 years in music and two dozen Billboard charted hits, who also ran unsuccessfully for Louisiana Lieutenant Governor in 2007 and 2010.
Country Music Association
The Nashville-based trade organization that presents the CMA Awards and grants membership and honors to country music artists.
The details
Kershaw said he rearranged tour dates and booked flights and hotels to attend the 60th CMA Awards with his wife, only to have his request for red carpet credentials denied after several months of correspondence. He holds lifetime membership in the Country Music Association and was nominated for a CMA Horizon Award in 1992.
Timeline
1992: Kershaw receives a CMA Horizon Award nomination and lifetime membership.
Several months before the ceremony: The CMA string Kershaw along on his request.
Two weeks before the ceremony: The CMA denies his red carpet credential request.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Kershaw posts his disappointment on Facebook.
Nov. 18, 2026: The 60th CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville.
Industry Dynamics
The dispute centers on the CMA Awards, the annual ceremony that governs red carpet access and recognition for country artists. It raises questions about how the organization balances access for veteran members against the demands of its marquee event.
The denial means Kershaw will not be on the red carpet at the broadcast ceremony, limiting how fans can see the artist at the event. The broadcast itself remains the primary way viewers can follow the awards.
The takeaway
Access decisions at major industry events can carry reputational weight for veteran artists who have long ties to the organization. Readers following the story can watch for any official CMA response to Kershaw's comments.
What happens next
The 60th CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville on Nov. 18, 2026, the date the red carpet access dispute concerns.
Further reading
For more on the genre, browse the Country music section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kalb.
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