Beyonce was bashed on social media when it was announced that she was performing at the 50th annual CMA Awards on Wednesday.
“She’s not a country singer!” they cried. “She doesn’t deserve to be there!” they proclaimed.
But all those who were watching the CMAs live from Nashville, Tennessee — instead of the Game 7 clash between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians in the World Series — had their criticisms shot down by Beyonce’s breathtaking performance of “Daddy Lessons” from “Lemonade.”
Taking to the stage with (genuine) country singers The Dixie Chicks, Beyonce came out dressed in a white gown and pearls to easily steal the show — even after making her fans anxiously wait until the third hour.
“Loving this,” Reese Witherspoon tweeted.
Watch the video above and see the delighted tweets below.
Me right now, after waiting all night for this moment: #CMAawards50 pic.twitter.com/oJ0QenBopz
— Julia Emmanuele (@julesemm) November 3, 2016
Me either!!! ? Loving this! @Beyonce @dixiechicks #CMAawards50 https://t.co/f4V1XyF7R4
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) November 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/beyoncColombia/status/794002748173942788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Beyoncé serving fried chicken, biscuit lickin:, Mac and cheese meltin' vocals tonight pic.twitter.com/RGYQ44Q128
— kay. (@beyoncehatesme) November 3, 2016
the important thing to remember tonight is that Beyoncé fulfilled barack obamas promise of uniting america
— Matt Bellassai (@MattBellassai) November 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/fivefifths/status/794002129497321472
Matthew McConaughey basically did this during the Beyonce/Chicks performance. pic.twitter.com/FMDFQMK0Uh
— Sam Adams (@SamuelAAdams) November 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/RedBeKnowing/status/794000753731874816
Watching Beyonce & The Dixie Chicks slay "Daddy Lessons" on a loop for the rest of the night #CMAawards50 pic.twitter.com/WMVGh4IIQs
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) November 3, 2016
.@Beyonce made an official entry into the @CountryMusic world a few minutes ago like…#CMAsOn2 #CMAawards50 pic.twitter.com/OZVUMqL6MK
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) November 3, 2016