Original Coverage & Source Attribution: 107jamz.com
LOUISIANA – If you’re a country music fan from Acadiana, you’ve spent plenty of time singing along to Sammy Kershaw. The country star from Kaplan, Louisiana, has spent decades entertaining fans with hits like “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “Cadillac Style,” “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer” and, of course, “Vidalia.”
Kershaw is publicly calling out the Country Music Association (CMA) after claiming the organization denied his request to walk the red carpet at the upcoming 2026 CMA Awards. And judging by his social media post, he’s not exactly happy about the decision.
In fact, he says the entire experience has been hurtful and embarrassing.
We’re starting an online petition to help our buddy Sammy Kershaw out and hopefully get him on the red carpet at The CMA Awards where he deserves to be, or in the least show The CMA Awards what a big mistake they’ve made.
Sammy Kershaw Says CMA Denied His Red Carpet Request
Kershaw shared his frustration on social media on Thursday, November 5, explaining that he and his wife, Mendy, had been looking forward to attending this year’s CMA Awards together.
According to Sammy, the couple had spent months making plans for the event. He even adjusted his touring schedule and booked flights and hotel accommodations so they could enjoy the evening together.
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Then, just two weeks before the awards show, he says he learned that his request to walk the red carpet had been denied.
Kershaw questioned why someone who has spent more than 50 years in the country music business couldn’t receive a few minutes on the red carpet.
He also pointed out that he’s sold and streamed millions of records and singles, earned more than two dozen Billboard-charting hits, received a CMA Horizon Award nomination and has been a lifetime member of the organization since 1992.
Sammy Kershaw Says the Decision Was Hurtful and Embarrassing
Kershaw didn’t exactly sugarcoat his feelings about the situation.
He explained that he and his wife don’t get many opportunities to attend these types of events because of his touring schedule, making this year’s planned appearance particularly special.
READ MORE: Sammy Kershaw Performing in 1988
He also expressed disappointment that the news came after months of communication with the organization and after the couple had already made travel arrangements.
The singer went on to suggest that he might not get another opportunity to attend the CMA Awards until the organization is honoring him in a tribute after his passing.
When Are the 2026 CMA Awards?
The 60th Annual CMA Awards are scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The event is also expected to celebrate the music of the 1990s, the very era when Kershaw became one of country music’s familiar hitmakers.
As of November 6, the CMA has not publicly responded to Kershaw’s criticism or explained why his red carpet request was denied.
Let’s show Sammy Kershaw that we’ve got his back!
Sign the petition below and maybe if we can enough signatures, we can get Sammy and his wife on red carpet on November 18!
Show Sammy your support and sign the petition HERE.
Country Stars Who Skipped the 2025 ACM Awards
A dozen country music A-listers skipped the 2025 ACM Awards in Texas. One was sick, one had a tee time and two had shows in another state the next day. As for the other eight … well, it’s personal.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
