Shaboozey and Megan Moroney
In a night brimming with glamorous appearances and musical triumphs, an unexpected exchange between Shaboozey and Megan Moroney became one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 American Music Awards. While presenting the award for Favorite Country Duo or Group—which ultimately went to Dan + Shay—the spotlight briefly shifted to a surprising historical claim that left audiences, and Shaboozey himself, visibly stunned.
Taking the stage with confidence, Shaboozey opened their segment by acknowledging country music’s longstanding legacy within the AMAs. “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,” he said.
Moroney followed, eager to contribute her own historical nod. “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 final line triggered an immediate reaction. Shaboozey paused, glanced sideways with a look of amused disbelief, and let out a small chuckle. The viral moment was brief but unforgettable—capturing a candid flash of surprise and perhaps skepticism before he smoothly continued announcing the nominees.
To be fair, Moroney’s statement was rooted in reverence. The Carter Family is indeed widely recognized as “the first family of country music,” and they remain foundational figures in American folk and early country sound. Rising to fame in the 1920s, their hits—such as “Wildwood Flower,” “Keep on the Sunny Side,” and “Can the Circle Be Unbroken”—have become genre-defining staples. However, the notion that they “invented” country music has sparked debate, with many pointing out that the genre emerged from a broader convergence of Southern folk, blues, gospel, and Appalachian traditions.
The moment unfolded at the opulent Fontainebleau Las Vegas, where the AMAs returned in high style. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the evening boasted a string of unforgettable performances and landmark wins. Highlights included Billie Eilish, SZA, Beyoncé, Eminem, Post Malone, Becky G, and Gracie Abrams all taking home major awards, while celebrities lit up the red carpet with fashion statements as bold as the night’s music.
As of now, The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Shaboozey’s team for comment on his lighthearted yet telling reaction, but no official response has been released. Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing with clips of the exchange, with fans dissecting everything from Moroney’s historical framing to Shaboozey’s meme-worthy expression.
Whether a spontaneous slip or a fiery footnote in country music discourse, the moment has added yet another layer to a night meant to celebrate the genre’s past, present, and future.
