Chris Stapleton was humbled to be in the presence of so many heroes and icons of music at the 50th annual CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 2) — even Beyonce.

The Kentucky-raised singer rained praise upon the megastar, who took the stage with the Dixie Chicks to perform "Daddy Lessons" off her chart-topping album Lemonade and "Long Time Gone."

“She’s everything you want her to be,” Stapleton remarked backstage following the CMAs (quote via the Boot), calling Beyonce's presence at the show a significant one. “She’s a classy, classy lady, and I’m proud that she could take the time to come show up.”

In addition to Queen Bey, there were several other incredible performances throughout the historic show, including the "Nobody to Blame" singer's collaboration with Dwight Yoakam on "Seven Spanish Angels," with Stapleton citing Yoakam as one of his idols.

"I looked at him [Yoakam] when we were walking onstage tonight, and I try my best not to be a fan and freak people out, but I looked at Dwight, and I said, ‘Man, I just want you to know you’re a hero, and I really appreciate you doing this,’" the singer says humbly. "... Being a part of country music and the CMAs, it’s a really — it feels heavy, but in a good way; it’s very moving. The whole night was moving that way, and different moments of that, and joy and tears. The whole show was my favorite part."

Stapleton picked up his second win for Male Vocalist of the Year, in addition to Music Video of the Year for "Fire Away" before the 2016 telecast on ABC. He was nominated for a total of six awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

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