Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins criticize CMA red carpet decision

Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins said they were turned away from the red carpet for this year’s Country Music Association Awards, prompting criticism from fellow musicians and fans about how the organization recognizes longtime country artists.

Kershaw, 68, said in an Instagram post on Nov. 5 that the CMA had denied his request to attend the red carpet with his wife, Mendy. He said they had already adjusted his touring schedule and booked travel and lodging before learning, about two weeks before the ceremony, that they would not be admitted.

The singer said he and Mendy rarely get the chance to attend events together because of his touring commitments, and that she had been looking forward to the evening. He also questioned the decision in light of his decades in the music business, millions of records sold, more than two dozen Billboard hits and long membership in the CMA. Kershaw said he had been a member since 1992 and had previously performed at CMA Fest without pay.

He said he was grateful to still be touring and performing, but believed there should be space to recognize artists who had contributed to the organization’s success. The rejection, he said, felt painful and embarrassing. He added that he had hoped to share the event with his wife as they had in the past.

Two days later, Atkins, 57, said he and his wife, Rose Falcon, had also been denied red carpet access. He announced that they would skip the Nov. 18 ceremony, which marks the CMA Awards’ 60th anniversary.

Atkins said he was disappointed to hear Kershaw had been excluded, describing him as a longtime representative of country music. He added that he understood feeling like an outsider himself. Atkins noted that he was having one of his strongest touring years, his album “True South” had advanced to the second round of CMA voting for album of the year, and his latest single could extend his chart run into a third decade.

In a statement accompanying his video, Atkins thanked the fans who had supported his career. He said that, after more than 20 years as a CMA member and many CMA Fest appearances, he and Falcon had decided not to attend. He also argued that performers who helped establish country music deserved a place in its celebrations.

The musicians’ comments drew support from artists across the genre. Riley Green said that if Kershaw had not earned the right to attend, then no one had. Carly Pearce wrote that many artists owed their opportunities to performers like him. Jake Owen declared his support for Kershaw, while Granger Smith lamented what he saw as a loss for the organization.

Drew Bainbridge offered to give Kershaw his own place on the carpet, saying the veteran singer had helped pave the way for others. Kylie Morgan and Meghan Patrick questioned why influencers could be invited while established country performers were left out.

Veteran singer Mark Chesnutt also criticized the CMA, arguing that it had stopped valuing country artists from the 1990s while welcoming pop, film and hip-hop celebrities. He contrasted country music’s treatment of its history with rock music’s recognition of its influential performers, and said traditional country artists continued to receive strong support from concertgoers.

Pam Tillis, who also rose to prominence in the 1990s, said the issue extended beyond the CMA. She noted that newer performers naturally receive attention, as established artists once did, but argued that the industry needs to actively preserve its musical legacy. Tillis, the daughter of country singer Mel Tillis, said she had spent much of her life making sure her father’s contributions were remembered.

She added that country audiences span generations and that 1990s country music remains popular, even when it is not always visible in the industry. Legacy performers, she said, can connect the genre’s past with its future. Tillis also observed that artists often remain quiet when they feel overlooked, but said Kershaw had chosen to speak up as a lifetime CMA member.

On Monday, the CMA responded to the criticism. It said red carpet guidelines are used to manage limited space and security needs for artists and media, and apologized to anyone who felt excluded by the decisions.

The organization said it wanted to honor country music’s history while also celebrating the achievements of 2026, and acknowledged that the issue was about more than access to the carpet. It said it was in contact with Kershaw’s team and would continue listening to concerns about making artists feel welcome.

On Tuesday, Kershaw said he had accepted an apology from CMA leadership after what he described as a sincere private conversation. The organization also invited him and Mendy to walk the red carpet and attend the awards with other artists.

Kershaw thanked fans, fellow performers and the country music community for their support. He said he had spoken out because he was hurt, not because he wanted attention or controversy, and stressed that the dispute was about recognizing artists who had devoted their lives to the genre.

He said the 60th anniversary could not be properly celebrated without acknowledging the artists who helped build country music. Kershaw added that he respected the performers carrying the genre forward and believed there was room to celebrate artists from every generation.