Shaboozey is clearing the air. 

The “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” singer came to the defense of Megan Moroney, pushing back on the criticism the “Tennessee Orange” singer has received since the 2025 American Music Awards where he seemingly rolled his eyes at his co-presenter when she said The Carter Family, “basically invented country music” while on stage. 

“Just want to clear something up: my reaction at the AMAs had nothing to do with Megan Moroney!” Shaboozey commented on her May 26 Instagram post about the award show. “She’s an incredibly talented, hard-working artist who’s doing amazing things for country music and I’ve got nothing but respect for her.” 

“I’ve seen some hateful comments directed at her today, and that’s not what this moment was about,” he added. “Let’s not twist the message—she is amazing and someone who represents the country community in the highest light!”

Prior to his defense of Megan, Shaboozey had encouraged followers to dive into the history of country music, highlighting several Black artists like Lesley Riddle, Steve Tartar, Harry Gay, Defoe Bailey, including those the Carter family had previously credited for influencing their sound.