Shaboozey’s Viral Side-Eye to Megan Moroney Sparks Debate on Country Music’s Roots

Image via American Music Awards / YouTube

During Monday night’s American Music Awards, a brief exchange between Shaboozey and Megan Moroney turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

The two artists took the stage to present the award for Favorite Country Duo or Group—ultimately awarded to Dan + Shay—but it was a particular line from Moroney that drew instant online attention. While reading from the teleprompter, Moroney stated: “This award went to the Carter Family, who basically invented country music.”

Immediately following that remark, Shaboozey was visibly taken aback, pausing mid-presentation to glance at Moroney before letting out a surprised laugh. The brief moment—a mix of side-eye and stunned silence—quickly went viral across social platforms.

The Carter Family, often referred to as “the first family of country music,” was indeed a pioneering act in the genre’s early days, particularly through the 1920s to 1940s. However, Moroney’s phrasing struck many as reductive, given country music’s deeper and more complex roots, including significant contributions from Black artists throughout history—something Shaboozey, a breakout Black country artist, is often vocal about.

The internet wasted no time turning the moment into a cultural flashpoint, with users debating both the history of the genre and the erasure of foundational Black contributions to country music.

As of now, Shaboozey has not made an official statement regarding the moment. The AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, featured wins by Beyoncé, SZA, Billie Eilish, and more. But even amid star-studded performances, it’s a quick facial reaction that’s now dominating the conversation.