Why Megan Moroney Feels ‘A Lot Of People Didn’t Take Me Seriously’ At First

Megan Moroney discusses her 'Lucky,' sudden rise to Music City stardom

Photo: Getty Images

Megan Moroney’s career has been on a remarkably rapid rise in recent years.

The Georgia-born singer-songwriter pivoted from her original plan of becoming an accountant to pursue her dreams in Nashville, Tennessee (she credits fellow country artist Chase Rice with motivating her to write her first original song in college, which ultimately changed her path). Moroney made a powerful debut in country music with her breakout single, “Tennessee Orange,” one of 13 tracks on her first studio record, Lucky. The album released in 2023, followed by the 16-track deluxe edition months later. Moroney has since released her sophomore record and its 17-track deluxe version, Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine). The reigning Country Music Association New Artist of the Year is now filling venues with fans ready to scream-sing along to her energetic anthems and heartbreaking ballads on her headlining tour.

Still, Moroney admitted she believes “a lot of people didn’t take me seriously when I moved to Nashville.” Moroney moved to Music City in 2020 and paid the bills by continuing her work as an influencer, which she started in college. She said with a laugh in an interview with Glamour, which published on Thursday (April 3): “I think a lot of people didn’t take me seriously when I moved to Nashville because when they would go to my Instagram, I’d be like, I just wrote this song, and then the next post would use my code for 20% off. It’s like, What is this girl doing?”

Moroney said continuing her work as an influencer — as opposed to long hours bartending, for example — helped her remain focused on her songwriting. Now, “my fans, as long as I’m being honest and I’m writing about real stuff and I’m doing what I’ve done in the past, I think they’re going to like it.” Find Moroney’s full Glamour interview here.

Moroney recently kicked off her headlining “Am I Okay? Tour” with Charlie WorshamChase MatthewDanielle BradberyEmily Ann RobertsEmmy RussellIan HarrisonKasey TyndallMackenzie CarpenterMaggie AntonePatrick DroneySadie McLayneSolon HoltTommy Acker and Vincent Mason on select dates. See the list of upcoming tour stops below.

Moroney is part of the star-studded lineup of the 2025 iHeartCountry Festival, which is slated to take place on Saturday, May 3. The festival, hosted by iHeartRadio’s Bobby Bones, will return to Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Other artists in the lineup include Brooks & DunnCole SwindellRascal FlattsSam HuntThomas RhettBailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith.

Watch Megan Moroney Accept “Rule Breaker of the Year” Award

Megan Moroney just won the Billboard Women in Music “Rule Breaker of the Year” but that seems to be a stretch, she admitted.

She said in her acceptance speech:  “This is so cool.  When I found out I was getting the Rule Breaker Award, I thought it was kinda funny.  Because in real life, I am an avid rule follower.  I stole a piece of gum when I was ten from a ballpark and I still think about it.”

She went on to thank her team and everyone that helped her get to where she is today.