Rodney Atkins snubbed at CMA Awards
The gist
Country singer Rodney Atkins says he and wife Rose Falcon were denied CMA Awards red-carpet clearance, so they won't attend.
His claim follows Sammy Kershaw's similar one, putting CMA red-carpet rules under scrutiny.
How it unfolded
- Nov 5, 2026Sammy Kershaw says in a social media post that he was delisted from the CMA Awards red carpet, drawing support from fans and fellow musicians.
- Nov 6, 2026Kershaw, a Louisiana native, says the CMA denied his red-carpet request two weeks before the show.
- Nov 7, 2026Rodney Atkins announces he and his wife, fellow country artist Rose Falcon, were denied red-carpet clearance and that they decided not to attend this year's CMA Awards.
Key terms
- CMA
- American trade association founded in 1958 to promote and develop country music worldwide, known for its annual awards.
- CMA Awards
- Annual US awards recognizing outstanding achievement in the country music industry, presented by the Country Music Association since 1967.
- red-carpet
- A ceremonial carpet marking the route of heads of state, now also used for VIPs and celebrities at formal events.
Source: Wikipedia