Trent Willmon, Cody Johnson’s Producer, Explains His ‘Kicking Shaboozey’ Comment At CMA Awards

Cody Johnson’s producer Trent Willmon took to Instagram on Friday (November 22) to explain the intentions behind his controversial “kicking shaboozey” comment he made during the acceptance speech for Johnson’s Album of the Year win for Leather. “Ok… what I meant to express in my overly-shocked and excited state was that I am very proud of @codyjohnson,” Willmon wrote, “He has worked his BOOTY off the last 15 years putting out and performing great music and it’s not an overnight success. I was so proud he’s finally getting recognized!” Shaboozey, for his part, played off the comment by posting on X, “Ain’t nobody kicking me!” Willmon referenced Shaboozey’s response in his post, while praising the record-setting country star. “And shout out to Shaboozey for your response to my fumble and having a great sense of humor, congrats on that 17-Week #1 Song!” (Billboard)