Sammy Kershaw Says the CMA Denied His Red Carpet Request: "Extremely Hurtful"

Sammy Kershaw says the Country Music Association denied his request to walk the red carpet at the 60th Annual CMA Awards, and he’s not staying quiet about it. In a social media post, the“She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful”singer said he rearranged his touring schedule and booked flights and hotels so he and his wife, Mendy, could attend, only to be told no two weeks before the show after months of expecting to be there.

Kershaw made his case with the receipts: more than 50 years in the business, a lifetime CMA membership dating back to 1992, and a Horizon Award nomination in 1993. He called the situation“extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing,”adding,“I guess the next time I attend the CMA’s, it will be in tribute after I’m gone, if I’m lucky.”The CMA has not publicly responded to his claims.

The timing matters here: the CMA Awards air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 18, at 8/7c on ABC, with Lainey Wilson hosting. So the conversation about how awards shows treat veteran artists is happening right as the show’s promo cycle ramps up. Do you think lifetime members should get guaranteed red carpet access? Sound off below.