Artist Shaboozey garnered significant attention online for his reaction to a statement made by fellow country artist Megan Moroney regarding the origins of country music. The moment occurred on Monday, May 27, when Shaboozey and Moroney co-presented the Favorite Country Duo or Group category at the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Before revealing the award recipient, Shaboozey took a moment to acknowledge country music's historical presence at the AMAs, noting an instance when the award for Favorite Male Country Artist was presented to Charley Pride. Following this, Moroney added, “That same year, Favorite Female Artist went to Lynn Anderson, and this award [Favorite Country Duo or Group] went to the Carter family, who basically invented country music.”

Moroney's assertion that the Carter Family, a prominent American folk music group known for classic songs such as “Wabash Cannonball” and “Can the Circle Be Unbroken,” were the inventors of country music prompted a noticeable reaction from Shaboozey. The artist, known for his hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," visibly gave a side-eye, paused briefly, and then laughed at Moroney's comment before proceeding to announce the nominees for the category.

Shaboozey's reaction is particularly resonant given his recent collaboration on Beyoncé's critically acclaimed album, *Cowboy Carter*. This album has been recognized for its exploration and highlighting of the foundational contributions of Black artists to the country music genre, a perspective that might have informed Shaboozey's response to Moroney's claim.

While the on-stage interaction became a talking point, the awards ceremony continued with Dan and Shay winning the Favorite Country Duo or Group award. Beyoncé herself was honored for *Cowboy Carter*, receiving awards for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album. The 2025 AMAs also saw other significant wins, including Eminem, who secured his first AMA in 15 years, winning Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album. Billie Eilish was a major winner of the night, taking home seven awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year and Album of the Year accolades.