Country music veteran Sammy Kershaw is expressing his disappointment after saying the Country Music Association denied his request to walk the red carpet at this year's CMA Awards.
In a statement shared on social media, the singer said he and his wife, Mendy, had already booked flights and hotels and adjusted his touring schedule in anticipation of attending.
"Well, I just found out some disappointing news and it really hurts me," Kershaw wrote. "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."
Kershaw explained that touring commitments rarely allow the couple to attend industry celebrations together. He said they learned of the decision approximately two weeks before the ceremony, after months of expecting to participate.
The singer pointed to his long relationship with the organisation, citing his CMA Horizon Award nomination, the lifetime CMA membership he said he received in 1992, and requests to donate his time to perform at CMA Fest.
"I believe there should be room to recognize the artists who have spent their lives contributing to this organization's success," he wrote.
Kershaw became a familiar voice on country radio during the 1990s with songs including "Cadillac Style," "Queen of My Double Wide Trailer," "Third Rate Romance" and "She Don't Know She's Beautiful." The latter topped the country singles chart in 1993, while his albums Don't Go Near the Water and Haunted Heart became platinum sellers.
Fellow country singer Riley Green also voiced support. According to Taste of Country, Green commented on Kershaw's post: "If you haven't earned the right to be there, then nobody has... disappointing to say the least."
Although Kershaw said he remains grateful to tour and perform for his fans, he described the red carpet decision as "extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing."
He closed with a pointed observation: "I guess the next time I attend the CMA's, it will be in tribute after I'm gone, if I'm lucky."
The 60th annual CMA Awards are scheduled for November 18 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. According to KALB's latest reporting, the Country Music Association had not publicly responded to Kershaw's statement.
