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The Controversy Surrounding Trent Willmon's Comment at the 2024 CMA Awards

2024-11-24

A joke is a joke, yet the incident involving Trent Willmon at the 2024 CMA Awards has sparked significant debate. Cody Johnson's win for Album of the Year was a high note among the low ones of the evening. Trent Willmon's praise for Cody Johnson took an unexpected turn when he referred to "kicking Shaboozey for a lot of years." This led to accusations of a dig at the performer Saboozey, whose name is legally Collins Obinna Chibueze and who was nominated and performing on the night.

Controversy Unfolds

Both CMA co-hosts Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan made jokes related to Shaboozey's name during the show. However, Trent Willmon's comment stood out as potentially pointed and protest-like. Rolling Stone criticized Trent Willmon's quote and those of Manning and Bryan, characterizing them as "microaggressions." But the jokes by Manning and Bryan were not mean-spirited; they were part of the comedic nature of awards shows.

Shaboozey's Response

Shaboozey handled the situation with grace. After the awards, he posted a photo with a smile, showing he took Trent Willmon's comment as a joke. He later expressed gratitude for the experience and hoped to live in his purpose. This didn't seem like the musings of a victim.

Trent Willmon's Clarification

Trent Willmon clarified his comment, saying he was proud of Cody Johnson and meant no harm. It's hard to determine his true intent, but the moment will be remembered among the infractions towards Black performers in country music.

Criticism of Shaboozey's Performance

There is plenty to criticize about Shaboozey's performance at the CMA Awards. His veering out-of-pitch and mistakes were evident. While "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" has been successful, it's not a true country song and has diluted Black culture in country music. Organic Black country artists like Aaron Vance and Kashus Culpepper are often overlooked.

The Need for Change in Country Music

Country music needs to address diversity issues from within. It should develop and nurture Black and Brown performers committed to the genre. Trent Willmon's misstep gave critics an opportunity to highlight the genre's past issues with race. Shaboozey now has the chance to prove his resonance within country music and help change it for the better.