Megan Moroney was likely just reading what was in front of her on the teleprompter. She did not write the intro into the award she was giving during the 2025 American Music Awards, but one thing was clear from what she said. The presentation was not rehearsed with Shaboozey.
The two were presenting the award for favorite country duo or group (which Dan + Shay won). Ahead of announcing the nominees and the winner, Moroney spoke the words that the Carter Family "invented" country music. Whoever wrote the words seemed not to be knowledgeable about country music.
The genre has been around since at least the 1800s, though it sounds different today. It's more country pop or country-rock. The origins of country music are twofold. It is a combination of European folk tunes and African folk music traditions.
Shaboozey's surprised look at Megan Moroney speaks for millions
Without Black musicians, country music would not have evolved as it did. It certainly would not be as enjoyable to the millions who listen to it.
Saying that country music was invented by the Carter Family, who started making music in the 1920s, is unfair and somewhat racist. Of course, country music seemingly does have a recent stain as some country radio stations refused to play some of the songs from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.
But Shaboozey, a Black country artist and a great one, was having none of what Moroney was saying. He didn't even need to offer words. His look alone, and the short laugh that followed it, was priceless.
To be clear, there is little doubt that Moroney wasn't giving her own views. Presenters at awards shows are there to do just that: Present awards. They don't make speeches, and they don't normally write the words before their presentation.
Moroney was, unfortunately for her, the mouthpiece for someone who, even accidentally, represents a general view. That is, country music was created by white people for the enjoyment of white people. That is historically wrong. Thankfully, we have musical artists such as Shaboozey around to help set the record straight.