Cody Johnson's producer Trent Willmon clarifies comments he made about Shaboozey during the 2024 CMA Awards.
On Saturday (November 23), Willmon took to social media to address the backlash he faced after appearing to throw shade at the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” creator during Johnson's album of the Year acceptance speech for Skin.
“Ok…what I wanted to express in my overly shocked and excited state was that I am very proud of @codyjohnson,” Willmon wrote on Instagram. “He's worked his BOOTY for the last 15 years putting out and performing great music and he's not an overnight hit. I was so proud that he finally became famous!”
The producer added, “And shout out to Shaboozey for your response to my humor, congrats on this #1 song of the 17th week!”
During his speech at the CMA Awards, Willmon had told the Nashville audience: “It takes an army of people to make a great record, but I gotta tell you, this is about this cowboy kicking the shaboozey for a lot years. .”
Following the comment, many country music fans took to social media, expressing confusion and anger at the remark, which some interpreted as disrespect to Shaboozey. However, it was unclear whether Willmon's comment was a deliberate dig at the artist or just an awkward attempt at humor that fell flat.
Shaboozey — who was nominated for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at this year's CMAs — didn't seem fazed by Willmon's comment. After the show, he posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “No one kicks me!”
Although Shaboozey didn't win any CMA trophies, he has plenty of opportunities for recognition ahead of him. He's up for five Grammy Awards in 2025, including nominations for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in categories including best country song, best country solo performance and song of the year. Additionally, he is nominated for Best New Artist, while his collaboration with Beyoncé and Linda Martell, “Spaghettii,” from the album Cowboy Carteris ready for the best melodic rap performance.
Shaboozey's hit song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” also dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart, spending 18 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 and is just one week away from setting a new record.
See Willmon's full post about Shaboozey's Instagram comments here.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/cody-johnson-trent-willmon-shaboozey-cma-awards-explains-comments-1235837686/
