During this year’s CMA Awards in Nashville, Shaboozey emerged as a prominent topic of conversation. From the humorous puns made by host Luke Bryan to mentions in acceptance speeches, the artist’s name was ubiquitous, though not all jokes landed with the audience.
Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, shared that he adopted his stage name during high school, stemming from a misprint by his football coach. The artist was nominated for two awards at the 58th Annual CMA Awards and performed his popular track “Tipsy (A Bar Song)” alongside another hit, “Highway.”
Prior to his performance, Bryan teased the crowd about Shaboozey taking the stage, playfully referencing a pun, “Yeah, we call that a sha-doozey.”
As the night progressed, Cody Johnson won the Album of the Year award for his record “Leather.” During his acceptance speech, producer Trent Willmon sparked confusion with a comment about “kicking Shaboozey for a lot of years.” This remark left fans perplexed, questioning whether it was a dig or a poorly received pun.
Fans took to social media to express their confusion over Willmon’s comment, with some interpreting it as an awkward joke that missed the mark. Shaboozey responded to the buzz shortly after the awards, sharing a cheerful photo from his SUV limousine with the caption, “Ain’t nobody kicking me!”
This year’s CMA Awards appear to have catapulted Shaboozey into the spotlight, showing that with every performance and mention, he is steadily gaining recognition.
In a world where artists are constantly trying to carve out their unique identities, Shaboozey’s journey serves as a reminder that a bit of humor and perseverance can go a long way. As fans continue to engage with his music and brand, it’s clear that this emerging star is on the rise.
For viewers looking to catch up on the awards, the CMA ceremony is available on ABC until 10 p.m. CT and can be streamed the following day on Hulu.