Country Artists Rally Behind Sammy Kershaw
Riley Green, Carly Pearce, Jake Owen, and various other country music artists have voiced their support for Sammy Kershaw following his public disappointment over the Country Music Association’s (CMA) recent decision regarding the red carpet at the upcoming 60th Annual CMA Awards.
Kershaw Expresses His Discontent
On Thursday evening, Kershaw took to social media to express his hurt over the CMA’s refusal to allow him to walk the red carpet at the prestigious event. He stated, “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.”
Plans for a Special Evening
Kershaw revealed that he and his wife, Mendy, seldom have the opportunity to attend country music award ceremonies due to his busy touring schedule. However, they were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this significant milestone in country music together.
“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,” he added.
Support from Fellow Artists
His heartfelt post quickly attracted attention, garnering support from fellow artists. Riley Green commented, “If you haven’t earned the right to be there then nobody has… disappointing to say the least.” Jake Owen simply stated, “I’m team Sammy.” Carly Pearce also defended Kershaw, emphasizing the importance of artists like him in paving the way for future generations.
Criticism of CMA’s Decision
Other artists also expressed their disapproval of the CMA’s decision. Trey Lewis labeled the situation as “outrageous,” while Meghan Patrick and Greylan James pointed out the inconsistency of allowing social media influencers on the red carpet while denying access to a seasoned artist like Kershaw.
“They’ll let zero talent influencers walk the red carpet but not Sammy Kershaw? I hate it here,” Patrick wrote, while James remarked, “They’ll let a failed basketball player turned ‘country artist’ and his girlfriend walk the carpet instead of a literal Country Music Legend. Embarrassing and disgraceful to say the least, but not surprising.”
Generous Offer from Drew Baldridge
In a show of solidarity, Drew Baldridge offered to give up his own red carpet spot for Kershaw, stating, “I’ll give my spot up for you, Sammy Kershaw…If you don’t deserve to be there then I definitely don’t.”
Kershaw Reflects on His Career
In his original post, Kershaw expressed gratitude for his fans and the opportunity to continue his career in music, which spans over five decades. He highlighted his achievements, including numerous records and hits, and his long-standing relationship with the CMA, which he hoped would grant him the chance to walk the red carpet with his wife.
Concluding his message, Kershaw conveyed the emotional impact of the decision, stating, “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.”
Source: countrynow.com