:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Shaboozey-Megan-Moroney-onstage-at-the-2025-American-Music-Awards-052825-tout-ba6845532cae4c2f9dbf86fdaa0951f7.jpg)
Shaboozey has come to the defense of Megan Moroney after a viral side-eye moment during the 2025 Awards. The incident occurred when Moroney read from a teleprompter, stating that the Carter family "basically invented country music," prompting a skeptical reaction from Shaboozey.
However, in a recent Instagram post, Shaboozey clarified that his reaction had nothing to do with her, stating that Moroney is an "incredibly talented, hard-working artist who's doing amazing things for country music, and I've got nothing but respect for her."
Shaboozey also took to social media platform X to address the real history of country music, stating that it's a story of people coming together despite their differences and embracing and celebrating the things that make us alike.
The controversy surrounding the Carter family's influence on country music has sparked a heated debate, with many pointing out that the family was influenced by Black guitarist Lesley Riddle, who helped A.P. Carter gather song material almost a century ago.
Shaboozey's defense of Moroney comes after a wave of criticism directed at her following the viral moment. The singer has been praised for her "painfully honest" songwriting, which has resonated with many fans.
Read more about Megan Moroney's songwriting process in an exclusive interview.
For more entertainment news, check out our coverage of the Survivor season 50 cast reveal, and Jourdan Dunn's emotional audition on America's Got Talent.