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Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list has long been recognized as a prestigious acknowledgment of young talent across various industries. In 2025, twocountry musicartists, Shaboozey and Zach Bryan, earned a spot on this influential list, solidifying their status as two of the genre’s most exciting and innovative stars.
Both artists had groundbreaking years in 2024, with record-breaking achievements, massive hits, and musical evolution that has earned them recognition far beyond traditional country music circles.
This article will explore the journey ofShaboozeyandZach Bryan, how they rose to fame, the impact of their music, and how they earned their places on the prestigious Forbes list.
Who is Shaboozey? A Game-Changer in Modern Country Music
Shaboozey(born in 1995), a dynamic figure in the country music scene, had a breakthrough year in 2024 that catapulted him into the mainstream spotlight.
Though his career was initially marked by skepticism,Shaboozeyproved critics wrong with his unique blend of traditional country and boundary-pushing musical elements.
His rise to fame has not only been about his vocal talent but also about his ability to defy genre conventions, pushing country music into new territories.
At the core ofShaboozey‘s meteoric rise was his massive hit,A Bar Song (Tipsy),which dominated the charts and tied the record for the longest-running No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song spent an astounding 19 weeks at the top of the all-genre chart, matching the record set byLil Nas XandBilly Ray Cyrus‘sOld Town Road.
This achievement not only solidifiedShaboozeyas a household name but also showcased his ability to blend mainstream appeal with the authenticity of country roots.
Despite his success,Shaboozeyremains grounded, attributing his rise to the support of his fans and his willingness to experiment with his sound.
In an interview with Forbes, he humbly admitted that he never saw himself as a singer and doubted whether country music would ever resonate with mainstream audiences.
However, his breakout success has proven that the audience is eager for fresh perspectives in country music, andShaboozeyhas become a poster child for the genre’s ongoing evolution. To exploreShaboozey‘s full biography, including his musical journey and career milestones, visit hisWikipediapage.
Zach Bryan: The Folk-Infused Country Sensation
Zach Bryan(born in 1996), on the other hand, has built his career on authenticity and raw emotional storytelling. Known for his blend of traditional country, folk, and Americana influences, Zach Bryan emerged as one of the most successful country artists of 2024.
His albumThe Great American Bar Scenewas not only a critical success but also a commercial powerhouse, featuring chart-topping singles and earning him legions of devoted fans.
Unlike many of his peers in the country music scene,Zach Bryanhas eschewed the glitzy and polished image that often accompanies mainstream artists.
Instead, he has embraced a more grassroots approach to his career, building his fanbase through heartfelt songs that speak to life’s struggles, relationships, and experiences. This authenticity resonated with listeners, helping him gain recognition in country and indie music circles.
In 2024,Zach Bryanembarked on his highly successfulThe Quittin’ Time Tour, which sold out across major cities.
Despite the tour’s success,Zach Bryanmade headlines when he announced that he would step back from touring in 2025 to pursue a master’s degree in Paris, focusing on his personal growth and creative development.
This decision, though unconventional in the music industry, speaks toZach Bryan‘s desire to remain true to his values and passions outside of the demands of fame. For more on the life and career ofZach Bryan, including his early influences and rise to stardom, check out his detailedBiography.
The Record-Breaking Year for Both Artists
The year 2024 was pivotal for both Shaboozey and Zach Bryan. Both achieved extraordinary success in their careers, with Shaboozey breaking records on theBillboardcharts and Zach Bryan continuing to build his career with a major album release and successful tour.
The influence of both artists was undeniable, and their unique musical styles helped them connect with a wide range of listeners.
WhileShaboozeybroke records with his chart dominance and received five nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards,Zach Bryanchose to forgo Grammy consideration, marking a significant personal decision in his career.
Despite this, both artists’ achievements in 2024 were impossible to ignore, and their recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list was well deserved.
Comparing the Careers of Shaboozey and Zach Bryan
In order to better understand the paths these two artists took to reach the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, it’s helpful to compare their careers. While both share a love for country music, their styles, approaches, and stories differ in fascinating ways.
Point of View
Shaboozey
Zach Bryan
Age
29 years old
28 years old
Debut Year
2021
2019
Breakout Song
A Bar Song (Tipsy)
5 nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards
Chart Success
Record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard
Multiple chart-topping hits and successful albums
Musical Style
A mix of traditional country and contemporary
Folk-infused country with raw, emotional storytelling
Grammy Nominations
5 nominations for 2025 Grammy Awards
Chose to forgo Grammy consideration for 2025
Touring Style
High-energy performances with boundary-pushing sound
Intimate, reflective performances with a focus on storytelling
Next Steps
Continuing to push genre boundaries
Taking a break to pursue a master’s degree in Paris
Career Comparison of Shaboozey and Zach Bryan
The comparison highlights the key differences in their approach to music, career, and life outside the spotlight.
WhileShaboozeycontinues to redefine the sound of country music with a more contemporary twist,Zach Bryanstays true to his roots with deeply personal and introspective songs that resonate with fans on an emotional level.
Impact on Country Music and Their Legacy
The inclusion of Shaboozey and Zach Bryan on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list is not only a testament to their musical talent but also to their potential to shape the future of country music.
Their innovative approaches to songwriting, performance, and fan engagement have helped redefine the boundaries of the genre.
Shaboozey‘s ability to merge traditional country sounds with modern influences has attracted a diverse audience and challenged the traditional norms of country music. His success in both the mainstream and underground scenes is a reminder that country music can evolve while maintaining its authenticity.
Similarly,Zach Bryan‘s focus on raw, emotional storytelling has set him apart from other artists in the country genre. His refusal to conform to the typicalcountry starimage has resonated with fans who are looking for more substance and sincerity in their music.
By choosing to step away from the touring circuit in favor of personal growth,Zach Bryanhas demonstrated that his art will always come before fame.
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Both artists have set the stage for a new era in country music, where authenticity, innovation, and emotional connection take center stage. They represent a shift in the industry towards more inclusive, diverse, and genre-defying music, and their influence is likely to grow even further in the years to come.
Conclusion
ShaboozeyandZach Bryanearned their places on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for their groundbreaking contributions to country music.
Shaboozey‘s success with chart-topping hits and his genre-defying sound has resonated with mainstream audiences.
Zach Bryanremains true to his roots with deeply personal, folk-infused country music and a growing fanbase.
Both artists represent the evolution of country music, pushing boundaries while staying authentic to their craft.
Their inclusion on the Forbes list is just the beginning of what promises to be long and influential careers in the music industry.
Last Updated: December 6, 2024
