"Immigrants built this country, literally": Shaboozey tears up during his Grammy acceptance speech, dedicates award to "children of immigrants"

68th GRAMMY Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty
68th GRAMMY Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty

Shaboozey is an eclectic artist whose style is inspired by many genres. His 2024 hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" propelled him into superstardom, with the single being one of the most commercially successful records of the year.

In the latest news about the unique talent, Shaboozey won his first Grammy award during this year’s Grammy Premiere Ceremony on February 1. During his emotional speech, he spoke powerfully about the role of immigrants in America, using his mother as an example.

“Dear God, I just want to say thank you. Nothing is possible without you, Your love and will preserves me through it all. I also want to thank my mother, who as of today, has retired from her job after 30 years working in the medical field as a registered nurse in the psych ward. She worked three to four jobs just to provide for me and my four siblings as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom.”

He continued,

“Immigrants built this country, literally. So this is for them. For all children of immigrants, this is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunities, to be part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions. You give America color, I love y’all so much. Thank you.”

Shaboozey won his grammy with Jelly Roll in the category of best country duo/group performance for their song “Amen.” His most recent solo hit, “Good News”, was also nominated.


Shaboozey, others speak out on Grammys stage

Interestingly, Shaboozey was not the only artist to use the Grammy stage to vocalise their discontentment with the current situation in the United States. While the artist certainly used his acceptance speech to champion the immigrant cause in America, several other invitees echoed similar sentiments throughout the night.

In an interview with Variety, Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon shared he was donning a whistle pin “to honor the observers in Minneapolis” who “blow the whistle when they see ICE come in.” He added,

“They are there to protect their community and they’ve been doing it for weeks. It’s great to stop here and celebrate music and the power of music, but the real work is in the streets of Minneapolis right now, and I’m here to honor them.”

Several other artists wore an “ICE Out” pin in protest, including Kehlani, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Jack Antonoff and more.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal