Shaboozey is catching reward—and a bit of flak—following his large win on the 2026 Grammy Awards on Feb. 1, for his buzz-worthy acceptance speech, thanking the sacrifices of immigrants who “constructed this nation.” His feedback caught the sha-side eye from people who known as it “disrespectful” to descendants of slaves, particularly in the course of the begin of Black History Month.
During the Grammy Premiere Ceremony, the 30-year-old singer and rapper took dwelling the award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Jelly Roll for his or her collaborative music “Amen.”
While awards speeches typically blur collectively, Shaboozey’s stood out for its emotional weight. After thanking his mom and members of his crew, the Nigerian American artist shifted focus to a broader message, honoring immigrants and their function in shaping the United States.
“Immigrants constructed this nation, actually. So that is for them. For all youngsters of immigrants, that is additionally for many who got here to this nation in quest of higher alternatives,” the artist stated on stage, visibly emotional and shedding a couple of tears.
He continued, “To be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal alternative to everybody prepared to work for it. Thank you for bringing your tradition, your music, your tales and your traditions. You give America shade, I like y’all a lot. Thank you.”
Social media customers shared blended reactions to Shaboozey’s Grammy Awards speech.
The heartfelt tribute instantly lit up social media, with customers sharing blended reactions to what many initially considered as an harmless and uplifting speech. Supporters praised the artist for utilizing his platform to uplift immigrant communities, with some calling the second “iconic” and applauding his vulnerability and gratitude.
However, not everybody obtained the message warmly. Critics pushed again, arguing that the speech didn’t acknowledge Black Americans—significantly Foundational Black Americans—and their historic function in constructing the nation, particularly throughout Black History Month. Some felt the omission was obtrusive, given nation music’s roots and broader American tradition.
“Shaboozey achieved went up there and stated ‘ immigrants constructed this nation.’ Don’t piss me off,” wrote one consumer.
Another added, “I blame Shaboozey on Black individuals who say African immigrants are Black, lol. Country music was created by Foundational Black Americans, and that is the thanks we get. This is why delineation is important.”
Shaboozey hasn’t issued a touch upon his speech simply but, however regardless of the controversy, the musical star’s profession momentum stays simple. In addition to his Grammy win, he additionally earned nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Good News” at this 12 months’s ceremony. Overall, Shaboozey has amassed eight Grammy nominations so far, a exceptional feat for an artist nonetheless early in his mainstream rise.
Commercially, his success has been simply as spectacular. His breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” spent 19 nonconsecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, whereas each “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and “Good News” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
What do you consider Shaboozey’s Grammy Awards speech? Thoughts?
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