According to Holler, Zach Top — already named as one of the performers at the 60th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Lainey Wilson — posted a cryptic Instagram picture of himself in his classic cowboy hat staring at a glass of water. "Next week I'll be performing on the CMA Awards," his caption read.

"I can promise you one thing, you won't want to miss it." Holler notes that Top, famous for his whiskey-and-cigarette old-school style, isn't one to promote hydration, and the comments section has settled on one recurring theory: he's going to perform with Sammy Kershaw.

Holler points out that among Sammy Kershaw's well-revered repertoire is his 1990s hit 'Don't Go Near the Water' — and Top's photo has him eyeing the glass of water like a dangerous temptress.

The emphasis on a performance fans "won't want to miss" suggests, in Holler's telling, something bigger than a simple cover. Top's classic '90s sound, reminiscent of the Alan Jacksons and Keith Whitleys of that era, makes him what Holler calls the perfect pairing for Kershaw.

As of now, Holler stresses, the rumours are just that — but it believes something bigger than Top drinking a glass of water is brewing.

The speculation lands a week after Kershaw publicly voiced his dismay at being denied red carpet access in a year honoring '90s country, with Holler noting fellow artists like Riley Green and Jake Owen jumped in with their opinions and shared experiences.

The day before Walker's comments, Kershaw said the CMA had apologized for how it handled the situation and that he accepted — and that he and his wife have been invited to walk the red carpet at the 2026 awards show. A reconciliation on stage at the awards would be monumental, Holler writes.

Taste of Country reports that Clay Walker, who calls Kershaw a dear friend, respects him for standing up for himself — while also understanding the CMAs' business side, calling the situation "a catch-22" since labels want their current artists in the limelight.

"We are products," Walker tells Taste of Country Nights, adding that what matters is how fans perceive artists, and "my fans adore me as much as they ever did." He argues artists from the '70s and '80s trailblazed for the '90s class and says, "Do I think we deserve respect? Absolutely."

Whether Kershaw joins Top on stage should be answered at next week's show.