Sorry, Internet: Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks Slayed at the CMA Awards

Houston’s Queen Bee and Dallas’s country trio shared the stage Wednesday night at the Country Music Association’s 50th anniversary show in Nashville. The Texans were the surprisingly controversial highlight of the night, as hip-hop superstar Beyoncé performed her new country-leaning song “Daddy Lessons” alongside the Dixie Chicks, both clapping and chanting “Texas!” into the mic.

The star-studded audience went nuts in the Music City. However, some viewers and die-hard country music fans had a few opinions on Twitter that—you guessed it—weren’t very constructive.

Omg what’s this crap about Beyoncé performing at the CMA’s? Um no? Go away? Go back to your own genre? Thanks?

— Cassette #7 ⭐️ (@Katie_Karvinen_) November 2, 2016

To make matters worse, the CMA’s allegedgy removed all evidence of Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks performance on their social media and website after racially charged comments were posted. Many fans and media outlets are criticizing the organization for poorly handling the situation. Come on—it’s Beyoncé. You can’t just make her disappear.

Beyonce, Dixie Chicks — Scrubbed from CMA Website, Social Media After Racist Fan Comments https://t.co/wMnixpsvhN

— TMZ (@TMZ) November 3, 2016

After the internet (and international Bee hive) nearly imploded, CMA issued a statement and an Instagram collage on Thursday evening, with the image including heavy hitters of the night, like Dolly Parton, winner of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award (and coming to Houston Dec. 5!), Female Vocalist of the Year winner and co-host Carrie Underwood and—finally—Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks. Better late than never?

 

Last night was Country Music’s Biggest Night… Ever! Relive these greatest moments and more on the ABC App and On Demand now. #CMAawards50

A photo posted by Country Music Association (@cma) on Nov 3, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

Regardless of poor form by commenters and CMA’s awkward acknowledgment, many fans praised their epic performance, noting that Beyoncé had every right to be on that stage (because DUH! IT’S BEYONCE!!)

Can we take a moment to recognize that #Beyonce performance last night, was not only country, but also essential Southern Bluegrass?

— Ivan Arevalo (@ivan_da819) November 3, 2016

We’re calling it: best CMA performance to date. #houstontexasbaby