Sammy Kershaw was one of the most profitable and popular country musicians in the 1990s. He’s still releasing new music and touring. However, his request to attend the CMA Awards was shockingly denied. Several country musicians rallied around legendary singer Sammy Kershaw after the shocking snub. Keep reading for all the details on the surprising situation.
Sammy Kershaw Calls Out CMAs After Snub
Sammy Kershaw had about a dozen hit songs on the Billboard charts. His hit song “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” was number one on the charts. But after decades in the industry, he received a shocking snub from the Country Music Association despite being invited to be a lifetime member in 1992.
The singer took to social media to call out the awards for denying his one simple request: He wanted to walk the red carpet with this wife at this year’s ceremony. He didn’t ask to perform or for free tickets to the event. But after months of back-and-forth, his request was denied.
But he had already rearranged his touring schedule and booked accommodations to attend the event. “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,” he wrote on social media.
The 2026 CMAs will pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton. Sammy Kershaw said that the next time he’ll be at the CMAs, it will be in a tribute after his death “if I’m lucky.” News of the shocking snub spread through social media. Several of Sammy Kershaw’s 1990s contemporaries spoke up on his behalf, as did several of today’s biggest country stars.
Riley Green & More Artists React, Show Support
Riley Green is a rising star in country music. His stint as a coach on The Voice has increased his visibility in the industry. He took to the comments on Sammy Kershaw’s post to show his support. “If you haven’t earned the right to be there then nobody has… disappointing to say the least,” he wrote.
Sammy Kershaw received supportive comments from Carly Pierce, Jake Owen, and Drew Baldridge, who offered up his CMA red carpet spot. Their support stopped short of criticizing the CMAs. However, fellow 90s legend Mark Chesnutt didn’t hold back.
“So Sammy Kershaw won’t be allowed to walk the red carpet at the big CMA Awards. Well that’s about right. The CMA doesn’t care about us old 90s guys any more,” he wrote on social media.
“It’s a shame they don’t respect the stars that dominated the charts in the past thirty years or before that but they sure roll out the welcome mat for pop stars and Hollywood movie stars and even hip hop artists,” Mark Chesnutt pointed out.
The Country Music Association hasn’t responded to Sammy Kershaw’s claims. However, the singer’s manager confirmed that Sammy isn’t attending.
The 2026 CMAs air on ABC on Wednesday, November 18. Lainey Wilson returns as host with performances by Tim McGraw, Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves and more.
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