The CMA Awards will honor the country music stars of the 1990s on Nov. 18, but Sammy Kershaw won't be taking part. The "Cadillac Style" singer says the Country Music Association brushed him off.
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Sammy Kershaw Asked "WTF" Is Wrong With the CMA
The 68-year-old Kershaw took to social media to share that he was going to take part in the 90s tribute at the CMAs. But then the organization gave him some unfortunate news.
"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's busy touring schedule keeps him and his wife from attending events like the CMA Awards. This made the red-carpet rejection especially disappointing.
"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," he wrote. "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?"
Kershaw Said He Has "Earned the Opportunity" To Walk the Red Carpet
Kershaw then explained why he believes he deserves to walk the red carpet at the CMA Awards.
"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," he wrote. "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."
The singer then concluded by saying how the snub made him feel.
"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," he said. "It's extremely hurtful, embarrassing and very disappointing. I guess the next time I attend the CMAs, it will be in tribute after I'm gone, if I'm lucky. God Bless, Sam."
Fans took to the comments to share that they thought the CMA was "making a big mistake." The organization has not yet responded to his comments.
