Nonetheless using excessive from Tuesday’s announcement of her third studio album “Cloud 9,” which is out February 20, 2026, nation hitmaker Megan Moroney introduced her pink-tinted period dwelling to Athens, Georgia, and The Blast was there as she celebrated with followers on the identical Elevating Cane’s she as soon as frequented as a pupil. Joined by Elevating Cane’s founder and fellow College of Georgia alum Todd Graves, the “Tennessee Orange” singer clocked in for a hands-on “shift,” serving Hen Fingers, greeting followers, and posing for selfies in a line that wrapped across the block. Megan Moroney, now certainly one of nation music’s most-watched voices, returned to the counter with humility and coronary heart.
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Megan Moroney Will get Actual About Progress, Confidence, And Her ‘Cloud 9’ Period
Dressed head-to-toe in pink, a nod to the softer, extra confident tone of her upcoming album, Moroney mirrored on how a lot she’s grown as each an artist and an individual since her UGA days.
“It’s superb and humbling to be again right here in Athens,” Moroney advised reporters. “Each time I’m right here, I’m reminded that I was the sorority lady singing songs in the home with out anybody to take heed to them, and now I’m right here on the identical Cane’s my buddies and I might come to, celebrating the upcoming launch of my third album.”
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“It was actually enjoyable to create music the place I’m simply, like, this model of myself,” she continued. “For instance, on ‘Unfortunate’ or ‘Lady within the Mirror,’ I used to be questioning my price. However now with songs like ‘Stunning Issues,’ I’ve lived sufficient life to know that I’m price it and I can inform different folks they’re price it too.”
She described “Cloud 9” as her most assured undertaking but. “By the third album, you’re like, ‘Oh, we’ve been right here earlier than,’” she laughed. “I felt firmly planted in my artistry. I’ve at all times recognized who I’m, however this time I had the boldness to experiment and simply have enjoyable.”
When requested to summarize the brand new report in a single phrase, Moroney selected, “Empowering.” “I hope the messages in these songs assist my followers get by means of life the identical approach music helps me,” she added.
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Todd Graves Says Moroney’s UGA Pop-Up Was Destiny
Standing beside Moroney, Graves stated the second was emotional for him too, proof that desires hatched in Athens can attain the large leagues.
“Megan and I each went to Georgia. That is the place it began for each of us,” he stated through the press convention. “I had a dream to open a Hen Finger restaurant, and he or she had a dream to be a musician. Now we’re each residing our desires. Her album even comes out on my birthday! It’s destiny.”
Graves added that when Moroney pitched the concept for the UGA pop-up, he instantly stated sure. “She simply wished to be right here celebrating together with her followers, and that’s what Cane’s is all about. Group, connection, and nice Hen Fingers.”
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Megan Moroney And Todd Graves Share Uplifting Recommendation
Moroney embraced the second, working the drive-thru, handing out pink Cane’s hats, and signing guitars and posters for the primary 100 followers in line. Between laughs and autographs, she additionally shared her greatest recommendation for college students chasing their very own desires.
“Do it till it really works. No matter it’s,” she stated. “There have been so many moments I wished to surrender, however it’s important to imagine in your self greater than anybody else. Rejoice the little wins alongside the way in which.”
Graves chimed in together with his personal message of perseverance. “Take into consideration how laborious it will likely be to start out that enterprise, then multiply it by infinity, and if you happen to’re nonetheless dedicated, don’t surrender,” he advised the gang. “If Megan or I had give up, the world wouldn’t have her music or Elevating Cane’s. Imagine in your self and preserve going.”
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Moroney Reveals The Coronary heart Behind ‘Cloud 9’
Throughout the Q&A, Moroney teased what followers can count on from her new album and why pink felt like the proper shade to seize its coronary heart. “When you get to pay attention, you’ll perceive there’s a softness to this album that hasn’t been in my others,” she defined. “It’s nonetheless sturdy and empowering, however there’s a gentleness within the lyrics that comes from confidence, realizing it’s okay to be delicate typically.”
She revealed that a lot of “Cloud 9” was recorded within the Bahamas, a setting that impressed each peace and perspective. “A variety of the album, I sang the vocals by the ocean,” she stated. “It was this calm, completely happy house. I’d go on the boat within the morning and report at evening. That’s ‘Cloud 9’ for me.”
And when it got here to timing, Moroney stated she wished the undertaking to reach after the vacations. “I didn’t need to get in the way in which of Christmas albums,” she admitted as the gang laughed. “So I figured I’d wait till the brand new 12 months, and I’ve obtained extra surprises coming.”
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Megan Moroney’s ‘Cloud 9’ Second Caps Elevating Cane’s Nation Legacy With Coronary heart And Hometown Delight
Earlier than leaving the stage, Moroney regarded out over the cheering crowd and smiled, visibly moved.
“After I drive by means of downtown or previous my outdated sorority home, I keep in mind precisely the place I began,” she stated. “To come back again right here and have fun ‘Cloud 9’ with the individuals who’ve been with me from day one… that’s the dream.”
