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After Defending Sammy Kershaw Amid CMA Awards Dispute, Riley Green Pays Tribute With a 1992 Country Classic
Riley Green has shared a TikTok video of himself singing Sammy Kershaw’s 1992 song “Yard Sale”, showing support for the singer after a dispute over his access to the CMA Awards red carpet. The row drew attention to how country music recognises artists who helped shape the genre.
Kershaw said he had been denied red-carpet access and described the decision as hurtful and embarrassing; Green and other country artists publicly backed him. The CMA apologised to anyone who felt excluded and said it was speaking with Kershaw’s team. Kershaw later received a personal apology and agreed to attend the 2026 awards.
In short
- Riley Green covered Sammy Kershaw’s 1992 song “Yard Sale”.
- Kershaw was upset after being denied CMA red-carpet access.
- Following an apology, Kershaw agreed to attend the 2026 awards.
Explained simply
The Country Music Association (CMA) organises the annual CMA Awards, a major event for country music performers and the wider industry. Its red carpet is where invited artists arrive and speak with the press before the ceremony.
Sammy Kershaw is a country singer whose 1990s hits helped establish his place in the genre. Riley Green is a younger country artist; his public support for Kershaw drew attention to how the industry acknowledges performers from earlier generations.
The dispute raised questions about how established artists are included in high-profile industry events. The CMA said it had apologised to those who felt excluded and was speaking with Kershaw’s team.
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