Shaboozey has issued a statement following his viral moment at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Monday (26 May).

Presenting the award for Favorite Country Duo Or Group with fellow pop-country star Megan Moroney, Shaboozey went viral after delivering a side-eye to Moroney after she read from the teleprompter that the Carter Family “invented country.”

The Carter Family was a group of folk musicians who have long been considered the forefathers of country music. However, that classification ignores the Black artists who pioneered country music, such as Lesley Riddle.

Making mention of the first country award given out at the AMAs, Moroney read from the teleprompter: “This award went to the Carter Family, who basically invented country music.” Shaboozey, keeping composure, made a side glance at Moroney and let out a chuckle before the pair presented the winner for this year’s AMAs (the award went to Dan & Shay).

You can watch the moment below.

Addressing the viral moment, Shaboozey elaborated on the rich history of country music and the contributions of Black artists to the genre.

In a since-deleted post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the A Bar Song (Tipsy) song wrote (per Stereogum, “Google: Lesley Riddle, Steve Tartar, Harry Gay, Defoe Bailey, and The Carter Family…”

In follow-up posts that remain online, he continued: “When you uncover the true history of country music, you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased… 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 was nominated for seven awards at the AMAs, but unfortunately didn’t win any. Megan Moroney, nominated in two categories, also didn’t take home any awards.

Last month, Shaboozey unveiled the deluxe edition of his breakthrough album, Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going: The Complete Edition.

Six brand new songs appeared on the album, including the already buzzing single Good News, which spent six weeks at #1 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Chart, and the brand new track Blink Twice featuring BRIT Award-winning UK artist Myles Smith.

Shaboozey didn’t just add a few bonus tracks and call it a day. The Complete Edition includes new, exciting collaborations. Alongside Myles Smith, there are features from country stars Jelly Roll and Sierra Ferrell, a line-up that’s a playlist dream come to life.

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

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 (@ShaboozeysJeans) May 27, 2025