Shaboozey Responds to Viral 2025 AMAs Moment, Shedding Light on its 'True History'

Published: May 27, 2025

Shaboozey has responded to the viral side-eye moment from the 2025 American Music Awards, where he appeared skeptical when Megan Moroney read the teleprompter, saying that the Carter family "basically invented country music."

During the 2025 AMAs on Monday, May 26, Shaboozey, 30, and Megan Moroney, 27, took the stage at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas to announce the Favorite Country Duo or Group award winner. Moroney read off the teleprompter, stating that the Carter family "basically invented country music", which prompted Shaboozey to react with a side-eye and a brief laugh.

The next day, Shaboozey alluded to the viral moment, posting on X, "When you uncover the true history of country music, you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased..." The singer referred to Black influence on country music.

The Carter family, made up of A. P. Carter, Sara Dougherty Carter, and Maybelle Addington Carter, are considered the first family in country music, according to the Country Music Hall of Fame. They "essentially invented the kind of harmony singing used for years in the music, and popularized numerous songs that became country standards."

However, Shaboozey's comment refers to the fact that the Carter Family was influenced by Lesley Riddle, a Black guitar player who assisted A.P. in gathering "song material" almost 100 years ago. Country music is "indebted to African and African-American traditions."

Other Black musicians who contributed to the genre include Hank Williams, who was mentored by Black guitar player Rufus "Tee Tot" Payne, and DeFord Bailey, a Black harmonica player whose influence spread to country and blues genres.

Black musicians continue to be an integral part of country music. Beyoncé's country album COWBOY CARTER won the Album of the Year, and she dedicated the win to Linda Martell, the first Black female country singer who worked with her on the record-breaking album.

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