Overview

• At the 2025 AMAs, Shaboozey appeared to side-eye Megan Moroney when she read that the Carter Family "basically invented country music," sparking a viral moment.
• He took to X and Moroney’s Instagram to clarify that his reaction targeted the oversimplified origin claim rather than Moroney herself and to denounce hateful comments aimed at her.
• Shaboozey pointed fans to research overlooked Black contributors—Lesley Riddle, DeFord Bailey, Harry Gay and Steve Tarter—whose songs and techniques underpinned early country music.
• While the Carter Family are celebrated as country’s "first family" by the Hall of Fame, their sound drew heavily on African-American traditions rather than literally inventing the genre.
• Beyoncé’s award-winning album "Cowboy Carter" and her multiple AMA wins have amplified recognition of Black artists and underscored the genre’s diverse roots.