Shaboozey’s Viral Reaction to Megan Moroney’s Carter Family Comment at the 2025 AMAs
One of the most talked-about moments from the 2025 American Music Awards wasn’t a performance or a win — it was a single line that sparked a viral reaction from country-rap artist Shaboozey.
During Monday night’s ceremony at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Shaboozey and country singer Megan Moroney took the stage to present the award for Favorite Country Duo or Group, which ultimately went to fan-favorites Dan + Shay. But before revealing the nominees, the two read a brief script about country music’s legacy at the AMAs — and that’s when things took a turn.
Shaboozey started off by reading, “Country music has been an important part of AMA history. The very first year of this show, the award for favorite male country artist went to the great Charley Pride.”
Moroney followed with, “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.”
That last part — crediting the Carter Family with inventing country music — seemed to catch Shaboozey completely off guard. Cameras captured his side-eye glance toward Moroney, followed by a visible pause, then a smirk and a slight chuckle before he moved on to announce the nominees.
The moment didn’t go unnoticed. Fans quickly took to social media to dissect Shaboozey’s reaction, with clips circulating across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Many praised him for maintaining professionalism while still subtly expressing his disbelief or disagreement — all without saying a word.
While the Carter Family is indeed a cornerstone of early American folk and country music, and are often referred to as “the first family of country music” by institutions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the idea that they “invented” country music has sparked some debate. Country music, like many genres, is the result of a complex blend of cultural influences, including African American blues, gospel, Appalachian folk, and more. As one user commented on X, “Country music was not invented by one family. It was born out of many voices, many traditions.”
Shaboozey — whose track “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has been making waves across multiple charts — has been at the forefront of a new wave of country artists bringing a more diverse and genre-blending sound to the table. His reaction seemed to reflect what many viewers were already thinking: the history of country music is far too broad and rich to credit just one act.
The 2025 American Music Awards, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, were filled with big wins and memorable moments. Billie Eilish emerged as the top winner, sweeping all seven of her categories. Other highlights included performances from SZA, Beyoncé, and Gracie Abrams, as well as surprise wins for artists like Eminem and Lady Gaga.
But it was Shaboozey’s brief, silent reaction that arguably stole the show — reminding everyone that even in the glitz and glamour of an awards show, authenticity (and a good side-eye) can go a long way.