Shaboozey Wins Grammy, Dedicates to Immigrants Amid Backlash

Shaboozey, the Virginia-born country singer and son of Nigerian immigrants, won his first Grammy Award on Sunday for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the song "Amen," a collaboration with Jelly Roll, during the 2026 Grammy Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the honor to immigrants, stating, "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 opportunity, to be a 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 here. You give America color."

The remarks, delivered on the first day of Black History Month, drew praise from many for highlighting immigrant contributions amid heightened federal immigration enforcement. However, they also sparked criticism on social media for appearing to overlook the forced labor of enslaved Africans and the foundational role of Black Americans in building the nation. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., posted on X...