At the 58th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Shaboozey captured significant attention, becoming a focal point of both humorous remarks and memorable performances. Host Luke Bryan opened the show with playful puns about Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, a name he adopted in high school after a mix-up by his football coach.
Shaboozey was nominated for two awards and delivered exciting performances of his hits, including “Tipsy (A Bar Song)” and “Highway.” Before his set, Bryan cheekily referred to Shaboozey’s song with, “Yeah, we call that a sha-doozey,” which set a lively tone for the show.
The evening took a turn when Cody Johnson won Album of the Year for his record “Leather.” During his acceptance speech, his producer, Trent Willmon, bewildered attendees with a remark: “This is for this cowboy who’s been kicking Shaboozey for a lot of years,” leaving fans puzzled about whether it was a joking jab or a pun gone awry. Several viewers took to social media to express their confusion, speculating on Willmon’s intent behind the line.
Responding to the buzz, Shaboozey took to social media after the broadcast, posting a cheerful photo of himself in a limousine with the caption, “Ain’t nobody kicking me!” This light-hearted response reflects his positive attitude amidst the playful back-and-forth.
Fans can continue to enjoy the CMA Awards, available for viewing on ABC until 10 p.m. CT or on Hulu the following day.
Overall, Shaboozey’s spotlight at the CMA Awards not only underscores his rising popularity in country music but also showcases how the industry can combine humor and talent, fostering a sense of community among artists and fans alike.