Sammy Kershaw and his wife, Mendy, will walk the red carpet at the 2026 CMA Awards after all. The "Third Rate Romance" singer said Tuesday that the Country Music Association apologised and invited them to the Nashville ceremony, days after he went public about being denied red carpet access. By then, several other country artists had weighed in, and the conversation had turned to how the awards treat the singers who helped define the genre in the 1990s.
Kershaw said he and Mendy rarely attend industry events because of his touring schedule. This year, the couple rearranged their plans and booked flights and a hotel so they could be in Nashville for the Nov. 18 ceremony. Kershaw said the rejection hurt, especially after he and his wife had made the effort to attend.
The CMA said in a public statement that red carpet access is limited and that its criteria account for space and security. Kershaw said he felt that initial response missed the heart of his concern. After speaking privately with CMA leaders, he said he accepted their apology and appreciated the invitation. He also said he hoped the episode would lead to more recognition for artists across generations.
Rodney Atkins said he had also been denied red carpet passes. Riley Green and Carly Pearce, both nominated this year, voiced support for Kershaw, while Jake Owen criticised the CMA's public response and questioned why it took several days. Fellow '90s hitmaker Clay Walker told Taste of Country Nights that he respected Kershaw for speaking up. Walker acknowledged the practical limits of running a red carpet and said the episode raised a broader question about how the industry honours the artists who helped build it.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards take place Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show airs on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET and will be available the next day on Hulu. The ceremony will include a tribute to Dolly Parton and a performance celebrating Brooks & Dunn, this year's recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
