More CMA drama. The CMA finally responds to Sammy Kershaw, he confirms he’s going to the show, and The Frontmen say they were once asked to pay $4,000 to attend with no red carpet. James and Laura break it all down and ask the bigger question: how should country music honor its legends?

Then we dig into the second wave of CMA Awards performers, from Vince Gill and Hardy to Mumford & Sons and Halestorm, and why Chris Stapleton landing two performances could be a major hint about the winners. Plus, Ella Langley hits 27 weeks at No. 1, and we’re headed to St. Pete Country Fest with our friends at Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts.

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Watch the full episode on YouTube.

Follow Country Minute on Instagram for daily country music news: instagram.com/country_minute

ABOUT COUNTRY MINUTE
Country Minute is a husband-and-wife country music platform run by James and Laura Shotwell from West Michigan. With a combined 40 years in the music industry, we bring people together through news, event coverage, and opinion. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re glad you’re here.

The CMA red carpet controversy keeps growing. After Sammy Kershaw shared that he and his wife were turned away, Rodney Atkins says he got the same answer and won’t be attending at all. James and Laura break down the backlash and why this should have been an easy fix.

Then we recap a big weekend: meeting Zac Brown backstage in Detroit and naming Blake Whiten the Country Minute Rookie of the Year for 2026 with a gift three months in the making. Plus, Bono reveals Dolly Parton’s final recorded song will appear on the new U2 album, and we talk about why Sand in My Boots tickets are still available and how to make the trip work if you want to go.

And if you’re in Grand Rapids, come see us this Thursday, November 12, at 5 p.m. at The Lantern for a pop-up meet and greet.

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Watch the full episode on YouTube.

Follow Country Minute on Instagram for daily country music news: instagram.com/country_minute

ABOUT COUNTRY MINUTE
Country Minute is a husband-and-wife country music platform run by James and Laura Shotwell from West Michigan. With a combined 40 years in the music industry, we bring people together through news, event coverage, and opinion. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re glad you’re here.

Country legend Sammy Kershaw says the CMAs turned down his request to walk the red carpet at this year’s awards, a show that’s supposedly celebrating 90s country. James and Laura break down what happened, why it stings, and why Riley Green, Jake Owen, and more are rallying behind him.

Then we run through the first wave of CMA Awards performers, including Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, the Red Clay Strays, Kacey Musgraves, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top, and what their spots could tell us about the winners.

Plus, the Dolly Parton holiday decoration we found at Walmart, and a look back at Shania Twain’s Come On Over, released 29 years ago this week.

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Watch the full episode on YouTube.

Follow Country Minute on Instagram for daily country music news: instagram.com/country_minute

ABOUT COUNTRY MINUTE
Country Minute is a husband-and-wife country music platform run by James and Laura Shotwell from West Michigan. With a combined 40 years in the music industry, we bring people together through news, event coverage, and opinion. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re glad you’re here.