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Shaboozey and Megan Moroney

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Key Takeaways

• Shaboozey clarified that his viral AMAs side-eye had nothing to do with Megan Moroney.
• He publicly defended Moroney from on-line backlash, calling her “superb” and “hard-working.”
• The award present second reignited conversations about nation music’s Black roots and cultural erasure.

No, Shaboozey wasn’t making an attempt to shade Megan Moroney on the 2025 American Music Awards on Monday (Might 26). Taking to Instagram on Tuesday (Might 27) evening, the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” artist clarified the state of affairs after his viral side-eye second involving the man nation singer.

“Simply need to clear one thing up: My response on the AMAs had nothing to do with Megan Moroney! She’s an extremely proficient, hard-working artist who’s doing superb issues for nation music, and I’ve acquired nothing however respect for her,” he commented beneath the “Am I Okay?” creator’s most up-to-date submit.

For individuals who missed it, the Virginia-born artist appeared understandably confused when Moroney acknowledged that the Carter Household, the primary to ever win Favourite Nation Duo or Group on the AMAs, “principally invented nation music.” Shaboozey didn’t say something out of pocket, although he did let loose a small snort.

“I’ve seen some hateful feedback directed at her immediately, and that’s not what this second was about,” Shaboozey continued. “Let’s not twist the message. She is superb and somebody who represents the nation neighborhood within the highest gentle!”

A fast look at Moroney’s Instagram feedback sees reactions like, “Let’s do our analysis on the place nation music got here from,” and “What was your level in being shady like that?” Clearly, some followers felt the singer’s remarks minimized or ignored Black contributions to nation music solely.

It’s additionally value declaring that Lesley Riddle, who Black Music Project calls an “instrumental determine within the delivery of nation music,” was truly the one who taught A.P. Carter his signature guitar-picking fashion.

Then, in fact, there’s the coincidence of the Carter Household sharing a final identify with Beyoncé, who notably gained Favourite Feminine Nation Artist and Favourite Nation Album that evening. Not solely did the “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” singer beat Moroney in each classes, however she’s additionally faced plenty of hurdles when it got here to being accepted within the style.

Past shutting down the rumors, Shaboozey’s response additionally spotlights a deeper dialog about who will get credit score in nation music. Because the style continues to evolve, moments like these remind us that its roots run deeper than the mainstream narrative.