Sammy Kershaw Criticizes CMA Over Red Carpet Denial

The Louisiana country singer says the Country Music Association refused his request to walk the red carpet at the 2026 CMA Awards.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Country

Sammy Kershaw Criticizes CMA Over Red Carpet Denial

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Country singer Sammy Kershaw publicly criticized the Country Music Association after it denied his request to walk the red carpet at the 2026 CMA Awards. He shared his frustration on social media on Thursday, November 5, and an online petition has since been started to put him on the red carpet.

Why it matters

Kershaw is a lifetime CMA member and has released more than two dozen Billboard-charting hits, so the denial raises questions about how the organization decides red carpet access. The CMA has not publicly responded to his criticism as of November 6.

Kershaw has sold and streamed millions of records and singles and has earned a CMA Horizon Award nomination, with more than two dozen Billboard-charting hits across his career. His denial came two weeks before the 60th Annual CMA Awards, and the CMA has not released a reason for it.

The players

Sammy Kershaw

A country music singer from Kaplan, Louisiana, known for his long run of Billboard-charting hits and his CMA Horizon Award nomination.

Country Music Association

The Nashville-based trade organization that presents the annual CMA Awards and governs red carpet access for the event.

The details

Kershaw and his wife Mendy had planned to attend the 2026 CMA Awards together, and he adjusted his touring schedule and booked flights and hotel accommodations for the event. He learned about the denial about two weeks before the show and has since voiced his criticism publicly.

1992: Kershaw became a lifetime member of the Country Music Association.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Kershaw posted his criticism of the CMA on social media.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026: The 60th Annual CMA Awards take place at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

Industry Dynamics

Veteran artists have long used the annual CMA Awards red carpet as a visible showcase of their careers, so access decisions carry weight within the country music business. Kershaw's public dispute highlights how the CMA's red carpet criteria affect established artists who are not currently headlining the event.

Fans who want to see Kershaw on the red carpet can follow the online petition, though the CMA has not announced any change to red carpet access. The CMA Awards broadcast and ticketing details for the November 18 show will determine how viewers can watch the event.

The takeaway

Red carpet decisions at major awards shows can shape how established artists are recognized, and readers can watch for any official CMA statement that clarifies the criteria. Following the November 18 broadcast will show whether the organization addresses the concerns raised.

What happens next

The 60th Annual CMA Awards are scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, and the event is expected to celebrate the music of the 1990s.