What in the hell are the people the Country Music Association thinking? This is the man who sings “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer”, “Cadillac Style”, “Vidalia” and “Politics, Religion and Her” to name a few here.
Sammy Kershaw publicly expressed his heartbreak and disappointment after the Country Music Association (CMA) denied his request to walk the red carpet at the upcoming 60th Annual CMA Awards with his wife.
“Well, I just found out some disappointing news and it really hurts me. 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.
My wife, Mendy, and I don’t get to attend these events very often, due to touring and schedule conflicts. After adjusting my touring schedule, booking our flights and hotels, she was really looking forward to us sharing a special evening together celebrating country music. Then, to find out I was denied the red carpet two weeks before the show, after being strung along for several months and expecting we would be attending, WTF?
After more than 50 years in this business, many millions of records and singles streamed and sold, more than two dozen Billboard charted hits, a CMA Horizon Award nomination, being a lifetime CMA member, that they presented to me in 1992, and being asked to donate my time to play CMA Fest, I would hope I’ve earned the opportunity to walk the red carpet alongside my wife, as we’ve done before.
I’m blessed to still be out on tour every year, performing for the greatest fans in the world and doing what I love.
I believe there should be room to recognize the artists who have spent their lives contributing to this organization’s success.
I love country music, but never in a million years would I think that a successful country music entertainer (and I’m not the only one) would not be able to walk the red carpet. It’s extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing. I guess the next time I attend the CMA’s, it will be in tribute after I’m gone, if I’m lucky.”
There are some country artists coming to Sammy’s defense too. Riley Green left a comment saying, “if you haven’t earned the right to be there then nobody has…disappointing to say the least.”
Jake Owen said, “I’m team Sammy.” And so am I.
The CMAs need to get their shit together and this man walk the red carpet with with wife. He is country music royalty in my opinion.