Shaboozey got his country music history mixed-up at the 2025 AMAs

Shaboozey’s appearance at the 2025 American Music Awards has gone viral after he appeared to laugh at a comment made by Megan Moroney while the pair were presenting an award together.

The two country singers stepped on stage at Monday night’s ceremony in Las Vegas to present the Favorite Country Duo or Group category. Shaboozey spoke first, explaining to the audience that country music has long been a part of AMAs history. It was Charley Pride, he said, that first won Favorite Male Country Artist back in 1974.

It was then Moroney’s turn to speak, “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,” she said.

Shaboozey appeared to do a double take in Moroney’s direction and let out a laugh before continuing to present the nominees in the category, which was given to Dan and Shay.

Of course, the Carter Family are the multi-generational folk group known for songs including “Can the Circle Be Unbroken” and “Wildwood Flower.” June Carter, who went on two marry Johnny Cash, was an on-off member for over 60 years and the family is still going today.

But online, fans clocked that Shaboozey seemed to think Maroney’s comment was about The Carters a.k.a. Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s an easy assumption to make, Beyoncé won two AMAs during the ceremony; favorite female country artist and favorite country album for Cowboy Carter. So far the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” artist has not commented on his viral moment.

Jennifer Lopez hosted the 2025 AMAs this year. Other winners on the night included Eminem (Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album) and Billie Eilish, who won all seven of her categories, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year,