Shaboozey Gives Megan Moroney the Side-Eye at the AMAs

During the American Music Awards, country stars Shaboozey and Megan Moroney took the stage to present the AMA for Favorite Country Duo or Group to Dan + Shay. But a lighthearted moment between the two presenters quickly caught fans’ attention—and sparked conversation among country music enthusiasts.

As Megan Moroney read from the teleprompter, she stated, “This award went to The Carter Family, who basically invented country music.” Her co-presenter, Shaboozey, known for bringing fresh perspective to modern country music, paused and shot her a playful, skeptical glance. Check it out for yourself:

Earlier in the segment, Shaboozey had honored Charley Pride, the trailblazing Black country artist who won the first-ever AMA for Favorite Male Country Artist back in 1974. Moroney followed by noting that Lynn Anderson took home Favorite Female Artist that same year.

It was when Moroney credited The Carter Family with “basically inventing country music” that Shaboozey’s humorous reaction—complete with a side-eye and a chuckle—sparked viral buzz online, highlighting the ongoing conversation about country music’s diverse roots.

This moment not only brought levity to the awards show but also underscored the evolving dialogue around country music history, representation, and the artists who shaped the genre.