Fans were quick to clock Shaboozey‘s reaction to Megan Moroney saying the Carter Family invented country music while presenting at the 2025 American Music Awards Monday night.
The awkward moment happened when the two singers were presenting the award for favorite country duo or group, which ultimately went to Dan + Shay.
“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 Charlie Pride,” Shaboozey read from the teleprompter first.
Moroney was up next, reading, “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.”
It was that last line that seemingly caught the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” singer by surprise, as he appeared to give her a side eye before pausing to process what she said and letting out a laugh before proceeding to present the nominees in the category.
The Carter Family, considered “the first family of country music,” according to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, was an American folk music group that produced a number of hits throughout the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. Some of the songs included “Wildwood Flower,” “Wabash Cannonball,” “Keep on the Sunny Side” and “Can the Circle Be Unbroken.”
The 2025 American Music Awards, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, were held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday night. Billie Eilish, SZA, Beyoncé, Eminem, Post Malone, Becky G and Gracie Abrams were among the night’s big winners. Check out the red carpet arrivals and the full winners list.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Shaboozey’s rep for comment.
