Country Sensation Megan Moroney Reflects on an Unforgettable Year and Her Unbelievable CMA Awards Experience
Country Star Megan Moroney on Her Whirlwind Year: From securing a No 1 hit to gracing the stage at the prestigious 2023 CMA Awards, Megan Moroney shares her incredible journey exclusively with Us Weekly Discover the surreal moments that define her success
David McClister
Despite Megan Moroney's rise to fame, she remains humble and connected to her roots. As she prepares for the CMA Awards, where she is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Song ("Tennessee Orange"), Moroney has made a deliberate choice about her date for the event. She knew without a doubt who she wanted to accompany her.
The 26-year-old star reveals that she will be accompanied by her dad as her date. Recent rumors about her dating life sparked numerous online speculations. "He was the one who taught me how to play guitar and fostered my deep love for music. Bringing him along for the first time I am nominated fills me with immense excitement," she shares.
However, contrary to Britney and Justin, they won't be twinning in attire. Moroney reassures that their look will be "classic."
"He will be sporting a black tuxedo to avoid resembling a couple attending prom," she remarks, jokingly adding, "He wanted to wear a hat, but he was concerned about potentially irritating people sitting behind us."
Moroney secured a coveted seat at the show following the incredible triumph of her debut album, Lucky, which she launched in May. The album includes the chart-topping platinum hit "Tennessee Orange." Despite her deep passion for music, Moroney, who grew up in a small southern town in Georgia, never considered it as a viable career choice.
"I had always envisioned myself as an accountant living in my hometown," she reveals. "Following in my mother's footsteps seemed like the natural path for me, as most people in my community tend to do what their parents do or take over the family business. Becoming a country artist wasn't even a consideration for me, as I didn't think it was a realistic possibility."
However, her passion for writing and performing music took hold of her. During a sorority event at the University of Georgia, she had the opportunity to open for John Langston, where she showcased her first-ever original song alongside a few cover songs. At the same time, she started interning for Kristian Bush of Sugarland. They stayed connected, and when she made the decision to relocate to Music City, it was Bush who introduced her to the tight-knit community of songwriters. A few years later, he took on the role of producing her album, Lucky.
David McClister
Fast forward six months, and she’s on a career trajectory most artists wait years for. And she knows how, well, lucky, she is.
"It's quite surreal," Moroney declares when asked about her CMA Award nominations. "I was beyond excited last year when I received a ticket to attend the show and got to experience the red carpet walk. Never did I anticipate being nominated just a year later. I released my debut album this year, and it has been an eventful journey, but I didn't envision any nominations."
Not only is Moroney being recognized with a nomination, but she also has the privilege of performing "Can't Break Up Now," a captivating collaboration with one of the esteemed acts in the industry, Old Dominion.
She admits that the performance is the most nerve-wracking part of the night. "This is my inaugural live TV performance!"
According to Morone, although she has previously accompanied Old Dominion on stage for a stripped-down rendition of the song, they have never executed it in this manner.
"This is our first time performing it as a complete band on live television," she shares. "However, they're experienced in this. During our rehearsal yesterday, they reassured me and boosted my confidence. It will turn out well. I'm trying not to dwell on it too much."
Moroney has numerous distractions to take her mind off any pre-show nerves. Recently, she released a deluxe edition of her album Lucky, featuring three extra tracks, as well as a vinyl version as a special treat for her fans. Additionally, she is a finalist for the Top Country Female Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, with the winner being announced at the upcoming show on November 19th. Furthermore, her current single, "I'm Not Pretty," is steadily climbing the charts.
In addition to that, Moroney, who is currently on her sold-out headlining tour to promote Lucky, will be joining Uncle Kracker and Zac Brown Band as an opening act for Kenny Chesney's 2024 Sun Goes Down Tour.
"My mom is still trying to grasp that opportunity," she jokes about collaborating with the renowned Chesney. "I've never performed in a stadium show with a full band, so we are putting in our best efforts to create an amazing show and elevate the energy. This feels like playing in the major leagues."
