CMAs responds to outrage over country star Sammy Kershaw's red carpet snub

Caroline Gaspich Wed, November 11, 2026 at 9:37 PM UTC

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Sammy Kershaw has now been extended an invite to the CMAs (Image: Getty Images for Stagecoach)

The Country Music Association has extended an invitation to Sammy Kershaw after the country star spoke out after being snubbed from the 2026 CMA Awards ceremony.

Sammy took to Instagram, revealing that he was denied permission to walk the red carpet at this year's CMA Awards after weeks of planning for the occasion. After making music for over five decades, the 68-year-old expressed his disappointment over being denied red carpet access, despite previously attending the event and being honored with nominations. After Sammy released the statement, many of his fellow country singers rallied behind him.

Expressing his outrage over the move, the She Don't Know She's Beautiful hitmaker wrote, "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."

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Now, the Country Music Association has addressed Sammy's concerns and offered the country star a ticket to attend the ceremony.

In a statement, they wrote, "In recent days, several artists and their fans have spoken out about this year's CMA Awards red carpet guidelines. Like any major televised event, the red carpet has criteria that exist to help manage limited space and the security needs for both the artists and the media. We are deeply sorry anyone felt excluded by those decisions."

Sammy has been making music for 50 years (Image: Getty Images)

They continued, "We also know this is about more than a red carpet, and we are committed to keep listening and keep finding ways to make sure all artists feel welcome and at home here. To that point, we are in touch with Sammy Kershaw's team and look forward to continuing that conversation."

Ahead of the reserve decision, many country stars spoke out, showcasing their support for Sammy and agreed that he deserved a spot on the red carpet. Among the artists that backed Sammy were Riley Green, Jake Owen, Meghan Patrick, Ty Herndon, and Trey Lewis.

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During this impressive career in country music, Sammy has released a total of 16 studio albums, with three RIAA platinum certifications and two gold certifications among them. More than 25 singles of his singles have entered the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including his only number one hit She Don't Know She's Beautiful.

Many country artists backed Sammy after his statement (Image: Getty Images)

Some of his other most famous songs include Cadillac Style, Anywhere but Here, Haunted Heart, Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer, I Can't Reach Her Anymore, and many more.

Sammy will now be in attendance, and the 60th Annual CMA Awards will be taking place on Wednesday, November 18 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. This year's awards will be hosted by country star Lainey Wilson.

The main performances this year will include shows from Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton (including special collaborations with Mumford & Sons and Stephen Wilson Jr.), Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Tim McGraw, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Vince Gill, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore.

The ceremony will be airing live on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available the next day on Hulu.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”