Alan Jackson, the esteemed country music artist, will be returning as a guest to the CMA Awards, where he will be honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. However, the organizers will surely be hoping that everything goes smoothly this time around.

The 2016 CMA Awards marked the 50th anniversary of the event, and it featured a memorable performance by Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks. It was during this performance that Alan reportedly made a surprise exit.

Prior to the event, Alan had been vocal about his opposition to the presence of pop stars at country music award ceremonies. In an interview, when asked about his expectations for the 50th anniversary gala, Alan expressed his desire for “real country music” to be played. He also shared his understanding of how television stations try to boost ratings by featuring artists from different genres.

Despite Beyonce not being a country music performer, many people enjoyed her performance. However, when Alan realized that his hopes were not being fulfilled, he took a stand and decided to leave the ceremony altogether. Witnesses reported seeing him stand up from his front-row seat and walk out in the middle of the performance.

It remains to be seen how Alan will react to this year’s ceremony, as Hollywood star Jessica Chastain and Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts are scheduled to present an award. Nevertheless, the audience can look forward to captivating performances by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and many more talented artists who will ensure a remarkable evening of country music entertainment.

So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night at the 2022 CMA Awards, where legends will be honored and sensational performances will take center stage.