Alan Jackson reportedly walked out of the CMA Awards during Beyoncé’s surprise performance

Grammy-award-winning popstar Beyoncé made waves in the country music industry when she released her first-ever country album earlier this year. The unlikely venture was inspired by her performance at the 2016 CMA Awards.

Beyoncé surprised the CMA audience when she took the stage alongside The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) for a rendition of her song “Daddy Lessons.”

Prior to the ceremony, country superstar Alan Jackson was asked what he wanted to see from the show that year. Jackson was hopeful to see some “real country music” showcased, and added:

“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.”

However, that hope went out the window when Beyoncé made her surprise appearance. A Nashville music manager in attendance reported that this move inspired Alan Jackson to make a bold statement. He recalled:

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

Additional country artists shared a similar sentiment for the questionable performance choice 

For a show positioned as “country’s biggest night” and designed to celebrate the best and brightest in the genre, the decision to focus on one of the nation’s biggest popstars left many confused and disappointed. Travis Tritt expressed his dissatisfaction on Twitter, stating that “country doesn’t need pop acts for ratings.”

I have nothing against Beyoncé. It’s the CMA producers that I’m disappointed in. Country doesn’t need pop acts for ratings.

— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) November 4, 2016

Alan Jackson had walked out of the CMA Awards before     

This would not have been the first time that Alan Jackson made a statement at the annual awards show. At the CMA’s 1999, the legendary George Jones was only allotted one minute to play an abridged version of his song “Choices,” which was nominated for Single of the Year. Jones refused the insulting offer and did not attend the show.

Jackson was slotted to perform “Pop A Top” that night. About halfway through the song, he quickly transitioned to playing “Choices” in an epic moment that received a standing ovation from the audience. After his performance, Jackson walked off of the stage and out of the building.

When George Jones was asked about the gesture later, he shared:

“What he did meant more to me than I could ever say. I was watching the show, and when he began singing ‘Choices,’ it moved my wife Nancy and me both to tears. He made a huge statement on my behalf, and on behalf of traditional country music, and didn’t worry about what the consequences might be.”