At the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Shaboozey experiences a career-defining moment as he earns his first Grammy win and uses the spotlight to honor America’s immigrant communities.
The 30-year-old artist had just arrived at the Grammys Premiere Ceremony when his name is called as the winner of Best Country Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration “Amen” with Jelly Roll. Visibly overwhelmed, Shaboozey walks to the stage clutching a crumpled piece of paper, his voice shaking as he begins his acceptance speech.
He thanks his mother, who immigrated from Nigeria and worked three to four jobs to support Shaboozey and his siblings, crediting her sacrifices for making his success possible.
Immigrants built this country,” he told the audience. “This is for them, for all children of immigrants. For those who came here searching for opportunity, freedom, and equality.” He went on to thank immigrants for enriching America with their cultures, music, stories, and traditions, adding, “You give America color.”
The emotion continued in the Grammys press room, where the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” hitmaker reflected on his upbringing and long-held dreams. Fighting back tears, Shaboozey described growing up in a small town and not seeing himself as exceptionally talented, but always believing in possibility.
“I just had dreams,” he said, pausing as emotion overtook him. As he stepped away to wipe his eyes, the room burst into applause, with one reporter calling out, “You deserve this!”
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