The 60th annual CMA Awards are happening on Nov. 18 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, and they're facing backlash after Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins lamented that their request to walk the red carpet was denied. Now, the Country Music Association has issued a statement on the matter.

"In recent days, several artists and their fans have spoken out about this year’s CMA Awards red carpet guidelines," the statement begins. "Like any major televised event, the red carpet has criteria that exists to help manage limited space and the security needs for both the artists and the media. We are deeply sorry anyone felt excluded by those decisions."

"Our organization’s mission is to honor the history and celebrate the excellence of Country Music," it continues. "With this 60th anniversary year, we are working extra hard to simultaneously spotlight the last six decades, while also celebrating what has been a tremendous year in 2026.…