Entertainment · Music · 10 hrs ago
CMA responds after veteran singers say they were denied red-carpet access
Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins say they were denied red-carpet access to this year’s CMA Awards.
Kershaw, a 1990s country singer and lifetime CMA member, said he had expected to attend with his wife after changing his tour plans.
The CMA says red-carpet rules manage limited space and security at the televised event.
The association apologized to anyone who felt excluded and said it was in touch with Kershaw’s team.
The dispute has raised questions about recognition for veteran artists, with other country performers also supporting Kershaw.
The 60th annual awards are set for November 18 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The CMA says it will continue the conversation with Kershaw’s team and look for ways to make artists feel welcome.
The Country Music Association said red-carpet rules for its 60th annual awards were based on limited space and security needs.
The statement followed complaints from singers Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins that their requests to walk the carpet had been denied.
Kershaw said he had been kept waiting for months and wanted to attend with his wife.
The CMA apologized to anyone who felt excluded and said it was in contact with Kershaw’s team.
The awards are scheduled for Nov. 18 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
- Who
- The Country Music Association, Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins.
- What
- The CMA responded to complaints that the singers were denied red-carpet access, citing space and security criteria.
- When
- The statement was reported on Nov. 9, 2026, ahead of the Nov. 18 awards.
- Where
- The CMA Awards red carpet at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
- Why
- The CMA said the guidelines help manage limited space and security needs for artists and media.
The Country Music Association
Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins
Red-carpet access
The Country Music Association
The CMA said criteria are needed to manage limited space and security for artists and media.
Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins
Kershaw and Atkins said their requests to walk the red carpet were denied; Kershaw said he had been waiting for months and felt hurt and disappointed.
Recognition
The Country Music Association
The CMA said it aims to honor country music’s history while celebrating the current year in one event.
Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins
Kershaw said there should be room to recognize artists who have contributed to the organization’s success.
Sammy Kershaw publicly said the CMA had denied his request to walk the red carpet.
Rodney Atkins said he too had been denied a red-carpet walk.
Pam Tillis called for country music not to shut out its legacy artists.
The CMA issued a statement apologizing to anyone who felt excluded and saying it was in contact with Kershaw’s team.
- Awards
- 60th annual CMA Awards
- Awards date
- Nov. 18, 2026
- Venue
- Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
- Kershaw
- Lifetime CMA member
- CMA’s stated criteria
- Limited space and security needs for artists and media
3 sources
What people are saying
Like any major televised event, the red carpet has criteria that exists 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.
I believe there should be room to recognize the artists who have spent their lives contributing to this organization's success.
It's extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing.