When Beyoncé joined the Dixie Chicks on stage at the 2016 CMA Awards, it was a moment that had country and pop fans talking. Their performance of Daddy Lessons infused country with blues and southern flair, showcasing Beyoncé’s powerhouse vocals alongside the Dixie Chicks’ signature harmonies.

While many praised the collaboration for pushing musical boundaries, it also sparked controversy. Some traditional country fans weren’t thrilled by the genre crossover, and Alan Jackson made headlines when he reportedly walked out during the performance. Even years later, this genre-blending moment remains one of the most unforgettable in CMA history.

Before the ceremony, Alan Jackson shared his hopes for a night filled with “real country music.” He said, ““But I understand the dang television station trying to get the ratings with whatever they think is gonna prop it up, with some big event with some other type of artist on there. Yeah, hopefully it’ll be a good country music show for a change.”

But when Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at the 2016 CMA Awards, the unexpected moment sparked a strong reaction. A well-known Nashville music manager later revealed that Jackson made a bold statement in response to the pop star’s performance, adding fuel to an ongoing debate about country music’s evolving sound.

He recalled, “I was sitting behind Alan Jackson, and he actually stood up from the front row and walked out in the middle of the performance, so I think that spoke volumes for the traditional, real country acts.”

The CMA Awards have long been known as the country’s biggest night, but the inclusion of a global pop superstar sparked mixed reactions. While some praised the collaboration as a bold and exciting crossover, others felt it overshadowed the genre’s core artists. Critics, including Travis Tritt, voiced concerns on Twitter that country music shouldn’t rely on pop acts to draw attention.