The 2025 American Music Awards were full of big wins and great performances, but one moment had everyone talking—and not for the usual reasons. When country stars Shaboozey and Megan Moroney walked on stage to present an award, things got a little awkward. Now, Shaboozey is speaking out, not to stir drama, but to set the record straight—and to teach a little history lesson along the way.
What Happened on Stage?
On Monday night, May 26, Shaboozey and Megan were there to present the award for Best Country Duo or Group. Everything started smoothly.
“Country music has been an important part of AMA history,” Shaboozey said proudly. “The very first year of this show, the award for Favorite Male Country Artist went to the great Charley Pride.”
Then Megan took over. “That same year, Favorite Female Artist went to Lynn Anderson,” she said. “And this award went to the Carter family, who basically invented country music.”
That last part? That’s where things took a turn.
Shaboozey paused. He squinted. He gave the side-eye. Then he chuckled awkwardly and moved on. But by then, the internet had already noticed. Fans turned the moment into memes, clips went viral, and people couldn’t stop talking about “the look.”
Why Was That Comment a Big Deal?
For some people, saying the Carter family “invented country music” didn’t sit right. Especially for Shaboozey, a rising Black country artist who knows the deeper roots of the genre.
Thanks to stars like Beyoncé and her Cowboy Carter album—which featured artists like Shaboozey—more people are learning about how Black musicians helped shape country music from the very beginning. So when Megan read that line about the Carters inventing it, it was hard for Shaboozey to keep a straight face.
Shaboozey Speaks Out
After the show, Shaboozey didn’t stay silent. He hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and explained his reaction.
“When you uncover the true history of country music,” he wrote,
“you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased…”
Then he followed up with a message of unity:
“The real history of country music is about people coming together despite their differences, and embracing and celebrating the things that make us alike.”
Fans praised his thoughtful response. He didn’t call anyone out—he just wanted to remind everyone that country music’s roots are diverse and everyone’s story matters.
He Defends Megan Moroney
As the clip kept going viral, some people started blaming Megan for the awkward moment. But Shaboozey made it clear: she had nothing to do with it.
“My reaction at the AMAs had nothing to do with Megan Moroney!” he wrote in the comments on one of her Instagram posts.
“She’s an incredibly talented, hard-working artist who’s doing amazing things for country music and I’ve got nothing but respect for her.”
He also asked fans to stop attacking her.
“I’ve seen some hateful comments directed at her today, and that’s not what this moment was about,” he added.
“Let’s not twist the message—she is amazing and someone who represents the country community in the highest light!”
And he might be right—it looked like Megan was reading from a teleprompter, meaning she likely didn’t write the line about the Carter family herself. She just had the tough job of reading it.
No Drama Here, Just A History Lesson
In the end, the viral moment wasn’t about starting beef. It was about telling the truth and showing respect for the past. Shaboozey handled it with class and kindness. He reminded everyone that country music has a complicated history—and that there’s room for all voices and all stories.
As for Megan? She hasn’t spoken out yet, but with Shaboozey standing up for her, fans are hopeful that this moment will turn into a bigger conversation about the real roots of country music—and who gets credit for shaping it.
And hey, if nothing else, Shaboozey’s side-eye is already legendary. Country meme hall of fame? Yeah, he’s in.
