Although the 2025 AMA Awards wanted to celebrate those singers and songwriters who helped push the genre forward over the last year, the night turned into a debate about the origins of country music. The entire ordeal started when Shaboozey took the stage with Megan Moroney to announce the Favorite Country Duo or Group, which went to Dan + Shay. When speaking, Moroney suggested that The Carter Family “basically invented country music.” While Shaboozey was somewhat stunned by the statement, he continued on. And now, with the internet obsessed with the debate, Shaboozey himself broke his silence to defend his fellow artist.
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Since the awards, fans have continuously discussed the viral moment. With some attacking Moroney for her harmless statement, Shaboozey jumped at the chance to defend her. He wrote, “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.”
Only wanting to use the statement as a teachable moment, Shaboozey continued, “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.”
Shaboozey Reveals The Real History Of Country Music
With Shaboozey defending Moroney from the backlash she received, he also jumped on Twitter, sharing his own take on the history of country music. He insisted, “The real history of country music is about people coming together despite their differences, and embracing and celebrating the things that make us alike.”
Not remotely afraid about the history of country music being erased or altered to fit a narrative, Shaboozey concluded in another statement, “When you uncover the true history of country music, you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased…”
When you uncover the true history of country music, you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased…
— Shaboozey (@ShaboozeysJeans) May 27, 2025
With both singers hoping to leave their mark on the genre, there appeared to be no animosity toward Moroney as Shaboozey showed that a simple mishap didn’t need criticism but enlightenment.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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