Award presentations at the 2025 American Music Awards took an unexpected turn when co-hosts Shaboozey and Megan Moroney sparked a viral moment during the Favorite Country Duo or Group category announcement. The pair, tasked with honoring country music's legacy, found themselves at the center of attention after Moroney credited the Carter Family with "basically invent[ing] country music"—a line that prompted Shaboozey's visibly stunned reaction.
Shaboozey opened the segment by highlighting the AMAs' historical ties to country music, noting Charley Pride's 1974 win for Favorite Male Country Artist. Moroney followed, stating that the same year's Favorite Country Duo or Group award went to the Carter Family, whom she described as genre pioneers. The declaration drew a pause, a side-eye, and a chuckle from Shaboozey, who then continued presenting nominees. The award ultimately went to Dan + Shay, but the interaction between the two artists dominated online discussions.
The Carter Family, celebrated as the "first family of country music" by the Country Music Hall of Fame, rose to fame in the 1920s–1940s with hits like Wildwood Flower and Can the Circle Be Unbroken. While their influence is undisputed, Moroney's phrasing—implying they "invented" the genre—struck some as an oversimplification. Social media users speculated whether Shaboozey's reaction reflected skepticism about the claim or a nod to broader conversations about country music's roots, particularly Beyoncé's recent Cowboy Carter album, which spotlighted Black contributions to the genre.
The incident also dovetailed with ongoing debates about inclusivity in country music. Beyoncé, who won Favorite Female Country Artist and Album at the ceremony, has recently emphasized the genre's diverse origins, dedicating her Grammy-winning work to Black trailblazers like Linda Martell14. Shaboozey, who collaborated on Cowboy Carter, may have been subtly referencing this context with his reaction.
Hosted by Jennifer Lopez at Las Vegas' Fontainebleau, the 2025 AMAs celebrated a mix of legacy acts and newcomers. Billie Eilish dominated with seven wins, including Artist of the Year, while Eminem marked his return with two hip-hop awards. Yet, it was Shaboozey's split-second expression—a blend of surprise and humor—that became the night's most talked-about moment, underscoring how live television's unscripted blips often resonate louder than trophies.
As clips of the exchange circulated online, fans debated whether Moroney's scripted line oversold the Carter Family's legacy or inadvertently sidelined other pioneers. Others defended her, noting presenters rarely control teleprompter content. Regardless, the moment highlighted country music's evolving narrative—one where history and modernity collide, often unpredictably, on awards show stages.