Shaboozey says he thinks Beyoncé deserved more at the 2024 CMA Awards.

In an interview with E! News ahead of the 2024 VMAs, the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” star — who collaborated with Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter album — responded to the pop legend’s lack of nominations at this year’s CMAs.

“It’s definitely unfortunate. I mean, if that’s something she was looking to receive and that’s something that she worked for, it really sucks,” Shaboozey says. “I know as an artist, you put a lot of time and a lot of work and a lot of things and a lot of energy into music.”

The same day the CMAs nominees list was announced, Shaboozey shared a tweet supporting Beyoncé and her country project, though he didn’t directly mention her CMAs omission.

“Thank you [Beyoncé] for opening a door for us, starting a conversation and giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time!” he wrote in that message.

But even though he’s disappointed by her lack of recognition at the CMAs, Shaboozey also stressed that Beyoncé has a lot to be proud of regarding Cowboy Carter‘s impact.

“Awards aren’t really — they’re not everything,” he told E! News. “As long as you’re connecting with people and genuinely making music that’s impacting people, that’s all that matters, you know? She changed my life, and changed the lives of other artists as well.

“…To me, if I could do that for another artist, or another person in general…I’d be at peace,” Shaboozey continues.

Related: Beyoncé’s Father Believes Racism Factored Into Her CMAs Snub

Shaboozey is a first-time nominee at the 2024 CMA Awards. He’s up to win awards in the Single of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories.