Shaboozey dedicates his first Grammy to immigrants in emotional speech
Shaboozey dedicates his first Grammy to immigrants in emotional speech
Audrey Gibbs, Nashville TennesseanMon, February 2, 2026 at 12:07 AM UTC
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We have some very "Good News" for Shaboozey: He's a Grammy winner.
During the Grammy pre-show telecast on Sunday, Feb. 1, the "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" singer took home his first Grammy Award for best country duo/group performance, which he won for "Amen," his gospel-country song with Jelly Roll.
The milestone proved to be emotional for the 30-year-old singer, who covered his mouth and sniffled as he walked onstage. "I've got a speech, man. I've never written a speech in my life," he said.
During his acceptance speech, Shaboozey (born Collins Obinna Chibueze) thanked his Nigerian mother, who raised him in Virginia.
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"She worked three to four jobs just to provide for me and my four siblings as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom," the singer said, noting that his mom is now retired after 30 years of working as a registered nurse in a psych ward.
The country music star went on to dedicate his award to "all children of immigrants."
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"Immigrants build this country, literally," Shaboozey said, with tears running down his face. "This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity, to be a part of a nation that promises freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it."
Shaboozey, winner of best country duo/group performance, poses in the press room during the 68th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026.
Shaboozey's remarks come amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, which has drawn intense public scrutiny within the last month following several protests and clashes in Minneapolis, including the shooting deaths of two American citizens.
"Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here," the singer said of the immigrant community. "You give America color."
"Amen" is taken from the deluxe edition of Shaboozey's breakthrough third album, 2024's "Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going." The Jelly Roll-assisted hit peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's Country Airplay Chart, as well as nabbed a spot on the Hot 100 at No. 35.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Shaboozey at Grammys - Country singer wins first Grammy
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
