Fans were quick to notice Shaboozey’s reaction after Megan Moroney said the Carter Family “basically invented country music” during the 2025 American Music Awards on Monday night.
The moment happened while the two artists were presenting the award for Favorite Country Duo or Group, which was awarded to Dan + Shay.
Shaboozey began by reading from the teleprompter: “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, saying, “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.”
Shaboozey appeared surprised by Moroney’s statement. He gave her a side glance, paused briefly, and let out a laugh before continuing with the list of nominees.
The Carter Family is widely known as “the first family of country music,” according to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The American folk group gained popularity in the 1920s through the 1940s with songs like “Wildwood Flower,” “Wabash Cannonball,” “Keep on the Sunny Side,” and “Can the Circle Be Unbroken.”
The 2025 American Music Awards took place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and were hosted by Jennifer Lopez. Major winners of the night included Billie Eilish, SZA, Beyoncé, Eminem, Post Malone, Becky G, and Gracie Abrams.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Shaboozey’s representative for comment.
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