At the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey delivered a moving tribute to Beyoncé during his acceptance speech. The rising star took home the awards for New Artist and New Artist Song of 2024 for his hit track “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and used the moment to thank those who supported him on his journey—especially Beyoncé.
Standing on the stage at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Shaboozey shared a heartfelt message that reflected his deep gratitude. “I prepared a little something. I want to read it to you because it comes from the bottom of my heart,” he began, his voice filled with emotion. “First off, thank you to People’s Choice, the fans, and listeners for this award. I’m so honored and extremely humbled. I never would have thought in a million years that I’d be up here at the Grand Ole Opry accepting something like this. It’s a dream come true.”
After extending his thanks to his management team, family, and friends, Shaboozey made sure to recognize Beyoncé. “Beyoncé, you’re amazing. Yeah!” he said, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. This tribute to the global icon wasn’t just a passing mention—it’s something Shaboozey has done consistently since his career began to gain momentum.
His admiration for Beyoncé runs deep, largely due to her role in his breakthrough. Shaboozey was featured on her Cowboy Carter album, contributing to standout tracks like “Spaghetti” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin’.” These collaborations helped catapult him into the spotlight, and he has never forgotten her influence on his career.
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Speaking before the awards ceremony, Shaboozey reiterated his appreciation for Beyoncé in a red-carpet interview with ET. “I feel like with awards, it’s really important that, as an artist, you know, Beyoncé puts everything she has into her music. That can be an exhausting process in itself,” he shared. “So, if you’re doing that, putting everything you have into it with intentionality and connecting with people, these awards—while fun and a chance to see your friends—are just a bonus. But, you know, her music changed my life and so many other people’s lives, and I think that’s what really matters.”
Despite the accolades Shaboozey continues to shower on Beyoncé, her devoted fanbase, the BeyHive, has been vocal about their frustration. Although she received 17 nominations for Cowboy Carter across various award shows, including the People’s Choice Country Awards and the Country Music Awards earlier this September, Beyoncé has not taken home a single trophy. Fans have expressed their disappointment on social media, questioning how such a highly acclaimed album could be overlooked.
Nevertheless, Shaboozey’s success and his persistent acknowledgment of Beyoncé highlight the profound impact she continues to have on artists across genres. His speech at the People’s Choice Country Awards was a testament to the power of mentorship, gratitude, and the lasting influence of music on both artists and fans alike.
