Why did Alan Jackson walk out of the 2016 CMA Awards?
The 2023 CMA Awards are just around the corner, and country music fans are eagerly anticipating this star-studded event. One artist who made headlines in a previous ceremony was Alan Jackson. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit why he walked out of the 2016 CMA Awards.
Not a Fan of Pop Stars on Country Music Stage
Alan Jackson has always been known for his love of traditional country music. So when pop superstar Beyonce joined forces with the Dixie Chicks for a performance to celebrate 50 years of the CMAs, it rubbed him the wrong way. Prior to the event, Alan had made his stance clear – he was not in favor of pop stars appearing at country music award shows.
In an interview, Alan expressed his hopes for the 50th anniversary ceremony, saying, “Yeah, they may play some real country music. 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.”
An Unexpected Walkout
Despite the widespread praise for Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks’ performance, Alan didn’t get the traditional country music show he had hoped for. In what appeared to be a bold statement, Alan reportedly stood up from the front row and walked out in the middle of the performance. This surprising move made waves in the country music community and sparked discussions about the fusion of genres on stage.
A Look Ahead to the 2023 CMA Awards
As the 2023 CMA Awards approach, it remains to be seen if Alan Jackson will have any similar objections. This year’s ceremony will see the presence of Hollywood star Jessica Chastain and baseball player Mookie Betts, adding to the eclectic mix of performers and presenters. However, fans can still expect a night filled with incredible country music performances from the likes of Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and many more talented artists.
