Shaboozey, a rising star in country music, shared an invaluable piece of advice he received from the one and only Beyoncé during the production of the Grammy-winning album, Cowboy Carter. The artist, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, featured on the country-funk track “Spaghettii,” alongside an impressive lineup of talents, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Miley Cyrus.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 29-year-old artist opened up about his initial insecurities while working on the album. He recalled, “When I was recording the songs on her album, I was like, ‘Oh man, I can’t do these runs’ or ‘I am nowhere near the vocalist, performer or anything Beyoncé is.’ And I kind of got in my head about that.” However, Beyoncé’s encouraging message helped him regain his confidence.
Shaboozey explained, “What they told me was, ‘Hey, we brought you here for you to do you, for you to be yourself.'” This resonated deeply with him, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his artistry. The advice crystallized into one simple yet profound lesson: “Just be yourself.” He further elaborated, saying, “Just be confident in the fact that you are different, you are unique, and that’s what people are going to resonate with.” This encouragement contributed significantly to Shaboozey’s growing presence in the music industry.
The Virginia native, who began releasing music over a decade ago, also shared his early inspirations. He fondly recalled listening to Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins, whose “sweet and distinct” voices left a lasting impression. He praised the storytelling aspect of country music and acknowledged the parallels he sees between country and hip-hop genres. Alongside Cash and Robbins, he cited Waylon Jennings, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones as further influences shaping his career.
Shaboozey’s hit song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has made waves by reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and topping the Hot 100 for an impressive 19 weeks. This achievement surpassed the record previously held by Lil Nas X with “Old Town Road,” showcasing Shaboozey’s remarkable talent and potential. With five nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards, including song of the year and best new artist, Shaboozey’s journey is just beginning.
Reflecting on his Grammy nominations, he shared, “I was on tour with Jelly Roll. To have two people on the same tour nominated and just share a moment like that was really awesome.” As he continues to navigate the spotlight, Shaboozey’s dedication to embracing authenticity, inspired by Beyoncé, is sure to resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike.
