‘Let's not twist the message': Country music star clears up viral AMAs moment
The 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)' singer appeared to provide context behind the moment in an X post Tuesday, writing "When you uncover the true history of country music, you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased."
He then followed up with another post that read, 'The real history of country music is about people coming together despite their differences, and embracing and celebrating the things that make us alike.'
Shaboozey's posts were in response to the viral moment where he appeared to side-eye Megan Moroney while the duo was presenting the award for favorite country duo or group.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
Continuous rain would not stop Megan Moroney fans from enjoying her performance on Friday, May 23, 2025 during Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
'Country music has been an important part of AMA history,' Shaboozey said a video clip of the award show. 'The very first year of this show, the award for Favorite Male Country Artist went to the great Charley Pride.'
Pride, who died in 2020, is regarded as country music's first Black superstar.
'That same year, Favorite Female Artist went to Lynn Anderson,' Moroney said. 'And this award went to the Carter family, who basically invented country music.'
Shaboozey was then seen side-eyeing and scrunching his face in apparent confusion. He then chuckles and proceeds to introduce the nominees.
The reaction from the 'Good News' singer had people on social media convinced that Shaboozey was mocking Moroney for spreading false information.
People even started bombarding the 'Tennesee Orange' singer's posts with rude comments such as, 'Thinking the Carter's 'basically' invented country music is hilarious,' and 'Let's do our research on where country music came from.'
Shaboozey later came to Moroney's defense by clarifying his actions on one of her Instagram posts.
'Just want to clear something up: my reaction at the AMAs had nothing to do with Megan Moroney! 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,' Shaboozey wrote. 'I've seen some hateful comments directed at her today, and that's not what this moment was about. Let's not twist the message — she is amazing and someone who represents the country community in the highest light!"
The Carters — consisting of A. P. Carter, Sara Dougherty Carter, and Maybelle Addington Carter — are considered 'the First Family of Country Music,' according to the Country Music Hall of Fame. The family is credited with inventing the kind of harmony and singing that is commonly used in country music today.
Black musician Lesley Riddle also had an impact on The Cater's style. Riddle helped A.P. compose songs and taught Maybelle her famous 'Carter lick' guitar style.
Country music power couple calls it quits after two years of marriage
Country music superstars perform chart-topping duet at Boston Calling
Country singer posts bond after Tennessee arrest
Country music star gives emotional speech on stage after incurable disease diagnosis
Country music pioneer 'whose artistry touched millions' dies at 73
Read the original article on MassLive.
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