Breakout Star Shaboozey Lights Up the CMA Awards Stage for the Very First Time
The 2024 CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 20. The night was hosted by returning duo Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, with Lainey Wilson joining them as a host for the very first time.
Along with a night of honoring those who have contributed to the country genre this year, the evening was filled with amazing performances. One standout was newcomer Shaboozey, who performed his mega-hit song “The Bar Song (Tipsy)” alongside his brand new single “Highway.”
Shaboozy has undoubtedly made a huge impact this past year. His viral hit, “The Bar Song (Tipsy),” has made history since its release in April.
The country-pop crossover has become the longest-running chart-topper of the decade, spending 17 nonconsecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The song has earned Shaboozey multiple nods over the past year, including nominations for CMA’s Single of the Year and Best New Artist. In September, he won Best New Artist at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
Wrote a song about winning a CMA in 2016, and now I’m nominated for 2! Thank you @CountryMusic and congrats to the other nominees. What an honor would be an understatement. #CMAawards pic.twitter.com/144ebCwYdM
— Shaboozey (@ShaboozeysJeans) September 9, 2024
Along with performing his No. 1 hit, Shaboozey also sang his vulnerable single “Highway.” This track offers a different vibe from the fun party anthem that has dominated the charts. In “Highway,” the Nigerian-American artist tells a heartbreaking story about the end of a relationship.
When Shaboozey took the stage, he began with his single “Highway.” Seated on a wooden stool and dressed in a green fringe jacket, he delivered a heartfelt performance before seamlessly transitioning into his hit, “Bar Song.”
Watch a clip of Shaboozey’s CMA Award performance in the video below.