Shaboozey Headlines His First Show at Billy Bob’s Texas

Fort Worth, October 11, 2025

News Summary

Shaboozey made his debut as a headliner at Billy Bob’s Texas, performing to a diverse audience that celebrated both country and pop music. The evening featured a surprise duet with Leon Bridges, an engaging set by opener Kevin Powers, and emotional interactions with fans. Shaboozey, nominated for New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, showcased his growing influence in the industry with chart-topping hits and heartfelt performances.

Fort Worth — Shaboozey headlined his first show at Billy Bob’s Texas, drawing a multi-generational crowd to the venue known as the world’s largest honky-tonk. The performance combined his rapid commercial success, a noted industry nomination, guest appearances and moments that underscored his place in country music and its evolving audience.

What happened

The headline set marked the artist’s first time topping the bill at Billy Bob’s Texas. The event featured an opening performance by Kevin Powers, a set list that mixed country and pop influences, and a surprise duet with Leon Bridges. The show also included safety pauses to check on crowd conditions, a communal toast before the final song, and visible emotional moments from the headliner while he interacted directly with fans.

Key supporting details

Attendance and audience reaction: The crowd included fans of all ages, enjoying a mix of country and pop music. Fans responded to the blend of sounds and the communal elements of the evening, including sing-along moments and a closing toast before Shaboozey’s final song.

Opening act and label connections: Shaboozey’s opener was Kevin Powers, the first signee to his American Dogwood label. Powers performed a blend of country and pop styles, closing his set with “Move On,” a collaboration with Shaboozey.

Notable guests and collaborations: As a surprise guest, Leon Bridges joined Shaboozey to perform “Texas Sun.” The collaboration broadened the evening’s stylistic range and reinforced the cross-genre appeal present throughout the bill.

Industry recognition and commercial success: Shaboozey is nominated for New Artist of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards. He achieved notable success with his song “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Stage presence and set list: The headlining performance featured songs including “Last of My Kind,” “My Love,” and “Blink Twice,” illustrating the artist’s vocal range and stage presence. The set also included a cover of “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr., offered as a nod to country music roots.

Fan engagement and personal context: Shaboozey signed hats for fans, including a young attendee at her first concert. He acknowledged an emotional connection to his fans and shared personal stories about his journey as a Black artist in country music. Earlier public attention included an incident in which he shut down the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas during BigXThaPlug’s video shoot, a moment that previously drew notice.

Safety and crowd management

At one point during the show, the performer paused the set to ensure audience safety, reminding fans to stay hydrated amid the excitement. Prominent venues were referenced in his remarks, with Billy Bob’s named alongside the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium as among the top venues for country artists.

Background and significance

The appearance at Billy Bob’s Texas placed Shaboozey in a lineage of artists who have used high-profile venues to signal a widening audience in country music. The mix of country and pop stylings on display reflects broader trends in the genre and highlights the growing visibility of artists who blend traditions and contemporary influences. The evening’s nominations and chart history further contextualize the performance as part of a rapid rise in mainstream recognition.

Key facts

• Shaboozey headlined his first show at Billy Bob’s Texas, a venue known as the world’s largest honky-tonk.
• The crowd included fans of all ages, enjoying a mix of country and pop music.
• Shaboozey’s opener was Kevin Powers, the first signee to his American Dogwood label.
• Powers performed a blend of country and pop styles, closing his set with “Move On,” a collaboration with Shaboozey.
• Shaboozey is nominated for New Artist of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards.
• He achieved notable success with his song “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• He previously gained attention for shutting down the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas during BigXThaPlug’s video shoot.
• Shaboozey acknowledged his emotional connection to his fans during the show, even attempting to hold back tears.
• He signed hats for fans, including a young attendee at her first concert.
• During the show, Shaboozey covered “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr., paying homage to country music roots.
• He expressed his gratitude for the crowd and shared personal stories about his journey as a Black artist in country music.
• Shaboozey performed songs like “Last of My Kind,” “My Love,” and “Blink Twice,” demonstrating his natural vocal talent and stage presence.
• As a surprise guest, Leon Bridges joined Shaboozey to perform “Texas Sun.”
• Shaboozey paused the performance to ensure audience safety, reminding fans to stay hydrated amid the excitement.
• He described Billy Bob’s as one of the top three venues for country artists alongside the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.
• The performance culminated with a communal toast before his final song, where audience members sang along enthusiastically.
• Shaboozey emphasized his connection to Texas and its music history, aligning himself with legendary country artists.

What this means going forward

The combination of mainstream chart success, a CMA Awards nomination, and visible cross-genre collaborations positions Shaboozey as an artist who may continue to shape conversations about genre boundaries and representation in country music. The Fort Worth headlining date at a historically significant venue represents both a milestone and a public test of sustained audience engagement.

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• Dallas Observer: iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Fort Worth Lineup
• Kron4: K-pop Girl Group Added Oakland Show to World Tour
• D Magazine: K-pop Fans Flood Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena for SuperM’s First U.S. Tour
• CW33: South Korean Music Group TWICE Performing in Fort Worth
• KVUE: Matthew McConaughey Spotted at BTS K-pop Concert in Fort Worth
• Wikipedia: K-pop
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Country Music
• Google Search: Shaboozey
• Google News: Shaboozey Concert
• Google Scholar: Country Music Diversity

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.