When country music legend Kenny Chesney invited rising star Megan Moroney to join him on his Sun Goes Down Tour in 2024, it was more than just an opportunity for her to perform in front of massive crowds.
It also became a masterclass in navigating a music career, delivered by one of the genre’s most respected icons.
During her time on tour, Megan picked up more than just stage experience. She walked away with invaluable life lessons and a piece of advice that might shape the rest of her career.
Keep reading for more details!
The Power of Authenticity
Megan recently opened up about her experience touring with Kenny while appearing on Taste of Country Nights. Host Evan Paul asked her what the best advice was that she received from the soon-to-be 2025 Hall of Famer, and what she shared was refreshingly simple.
“I think he’s just embraced my authenticity, and he’s always encouraged that,” Megan said.
Kenny Chesney’s advice to Megan was clear. Be yourself. Stay true to who you are, no matter what. In a world where artists are often pressured to fit into certain molds or chase trends, this piece of wisdom stands out for its simplicity and honesty.
According to Megan, Kenny made it clear that her authenticity is not just a nice trait. It is the very thing that will carry her forward in her career.
And Megan has been living by those words. Whether she’s on stage performing for thousands or behind the scenes helping the crew tidy up after a show, she remains grounded and genuine.
She even pulled off a memorable prank on Chesney during the Sun Goes Down Tour, showing that she is not afraid to let her true personality shine both on and off the stage.
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Lessons from a Country Empire
Of course, authenticity wasn’t the only takeaway from her time with Chesney. Megan also learned some crucial lessons about building a lasting career in country music.
Watching Chesney night after night gave her a firsthand look at what makes him one of the biggest names in the industry.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from him on tour is that good songs can make that country empire that he has,” she shared.
While many stadium performers rely on elaborate productions, high-tech effects, and grand spectacles to entertain the crowd, Chesney keeps things simple. He lets the music take center stage. His performances are powerful because of the strength of his songs and his ability to connect with his audience.
“He is in stadiums, so he could have the craziest production budget, he could have fire, he could be flying through the air, he could have like 10 stages out there that he goes and flies to. But he doesn’t; he literally just has his songs and him and a guitar,” Megan explained.
This approach left a deep impression on Megan. It showed her that at the heart of a successful career is the music itself.
If the songs are strong, they do not need any extra fluff to captivate an audience. Chesney’s ability to fill stadiums with nothing more than his voice, his guitar, and his songs spoke volumes to her about what truly matters.
A Special Collaboration
The lessons Megan learned from touring with Chesney did not just stay as conversations or observations. They also inspired new music.
In fact, Megan wrote a song directly influenced by her experiences with Kenny and his powerful approach to music. The song, titled You Had to Be There, became even more special when Chesney joined her on the track.
Megan gifted the song to Chesney, and together, they recorded and released it for their fans on May 9, 2025. The collaboration reflects not only their professional connection but also the respect and camaraderie that developed between the two artists during their time on tour.
A Moment That May Shape Her Career
For a rising star like Megan Moroney, having the opportunity to tour with a legend like Kenny Chesney is already a career highlight.
However, receiving personal guidance and mentorship from him makes the experience even more meaningful. Kenny’s advice to stay authentic and his example of building a career on the strength of great songs could very well shape how Megan navigates the years ahead.
Her willingness to embrace these lessons is evident in both her actions and her words. She continues to showcase her true self to fans and remains focused on creating music that resonates deeply.
And if Chesney’s career is any indication, this formula of authenticity and great songwriting might just be the key to Megan’s long-term success.
As the country music world watches Megan Moroney’s star continue to rise, one thing is certain. She has learned from one of the best, and she is carrying those lessons with her every step of the way.
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TL;DR
Megan Moroney joined Kenny Chesney on his Sun Goes Down Tour in 2024, gaining valuable experience and mentorship.
During an interview on Taste of Country Nights, she revealed that Chesney encouraged her to embrace and maintain her authenticity.
Moroney shared that Chesney told her being herself is key to her long-term success in country music.
She demonstrated this authenticity by helping clean up after shows and even pulling a prank on Chesney during the tour.
One of the most important lessons she learned from him was that great songs alone can build a powerful music career.
Chesney’s simple performance style, just him, a guitar, and his songs left a strong impression on Moroney.
Inspired by her experience, Moroney wrote a song called You Had to Be There, which she gifted to Chesney.
Chesney joined her on the track, and they released it together on May 9.
Moroney’s time with Chesney may shape her future career, guided by his example of staying real and letting the music lead.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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Megan Moroney’s New Album
Country singer Megan Moroney just dropped some big news: her next album is nearly done. She shared the update during an interview on the red carpet at the 2025 American Music Awards, surprising and exciting fans everywhere.
Megan said the album is probably like 80% written and that she’s been writing nonstop. Megan’s creative energy is flowing, and she’s excited to share a fresh, carefree side of her music with the world soon.
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Different but Still Her
Megan said this new record will sound a little different from her last two. She’s keeping things lighter this time around and described the album’s vibe as happy, which fans might not expect.
But she’s not changing everything. Megan promised the album would still have her signature emo cowgirl style. That means listeners can still expect some emotional tracks mixed in with the more upbeat ones.
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Personal Songwriting Style
One thing that isn’t changing is how Megan writes her music. She explained that she still writes based on her real-life experiences, just like she did with Am I Okay? and her earlier work.
She said, I just try to live my life and write about it. That honest approach has helped her connect deeply with fans, especially younger women going through similar experiences.
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Loaded With New Songs
Megan has more than enough songs ready. She admitted that she’s been writing constantly and joked that she has so many tracks saved on her phone she doesn’t know where to start.
She said, I know my fans are just going to freak out when they hear what’s coming. This shows just how excited she is, and how excited we should be about what’s next.
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Kenny Chesney Collab Confirmed
The only confirmed collaboration on the upcoming album is with country legend Kenny Chesney. They’ve teamed up for the song You Had To Be There, which was officially released on May 9, 2025.
Megan wrote the song based on her experience touring with Chesney. It’s a heartfelt track, and she actually gave it to him as a Christmas gift before they decided to record it together.
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From Fan to Partner
Megan has called the Kenny Chesney song a full-circle moment. She once saw Chesney perform from the nosebleed seats in Atlanta. Now she’s recording songs with him, a dream come true.
She shared that Chesney has been supportive of her career. Their bond grew after they toured together, and You Had To Be There captures the friendship and memories they made on the road.
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Touring While Recording
Megan is currently on her sold-out Am I Okay? Tour, which launched earlier in 2025. Even while performing almost every night, she’s been squeezing in time to work on the album.
Her tour has taken her across the U.S., and she’s set to perform in Savannah, Georgia, this week. After that, she’ll appear at Gulf Coast Jam on June 1 before heading back to Nashville.
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Inspired by Ed Sheeran
Though not a confirmed collaboration, Megan shared that Ed Sheeran has recently inspired her. She even admitted that she’d love to work with him someday, if the timing and opportunity are right.
She isn’t teasing anything specific, but mentioned that she and Ed have been in contact. Sheeran even reached out to her unexpectedly one night to share how much he enjoyed her music.
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‘Girl in the Mirror’ Impact
One standout from the last album was “Girl in the Mirror,” a song about self-worth and confidence. It’s the track that Ed Sheeran said he loved, which totally surprised Megan earlier this year.
The song has become a fan favorite, especially among young women. Megan explained that it’s one of the most meaningful tracks she’s ever written, and it still resonates with her today.
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Big Shows Ahead
Megan is preparing for major performances at the upcoming CMA Fest in Nashville. She’ll take part in multiple events during the weeklong celebration of country music in early June 2025.
These appearances give her a great chance to preview new music and connect with fans. With so many eyes on her right now, these shows could be a big moment for her new material.
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Billboard Success
Megan Moroney’s music has made a big impact on the Billboard charts. Her album Am I Okay? debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, marking her as one of country music’s rising stars.
This strong chart performance helped her stand out among new artists. It showed that her honest storytelling and catchy songs really connect with a wide audience across the country.
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Started as an Accountant
Before music, Megan Moroney was actually studying to become an accountant at the University of Georgia. She didn’t plan on a singing career, she just loved writing songs and playing guitar on the side.
Everything changed when she opened for Chase Rice at a college show. That one performance caught people’s attention and gave her the push to seriously pursue music. Her story proves that unexpected turns can lead to your true path.
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Power on Social Media
Megan Moroney has built a loyal fanbase not just through her music, but also on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She regularly shares personal moments, behind-the-scenes clips, and songwriting insights that fans love.
Her relatable personality and honest content have helped her grow quickly online. With hundreds of thousands of followers, Megan’s posts often go viral, especially when teasing new songs or sharing funny, unfiltered thoughts from tour life.
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Midnight Inspiration Moments
Megan Moroney often writes songs late at night when inspiration strikes. She says many of her best lyrics come from quiet, reflective moments that happen when the world is asleep.
This nighttime creativity gives her music a raw, honest feel. It shows how genuine emotion can flow when you least expect it, turning simple thoughts into songs that connect deeply with fans.
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Impact on Country Music
Megan Moroney has quickly become one of the most talked-about voices in modern country. Her blend of traditional sounds and lyrics has helped redefine what today’s female country artists can sound like.
She’s part of a new wave of women bringing emotional depth and fresh storytelling to the genre. Megan is showing she’s here to stay and helping move country music forward.
Songs like these easily stand alongside the best country duets’ timeless hits, reminding fans why heartfelt collaborations never go out of style.
Megan Moroney is quickly earning her place among the rising queens of country music, thanks to her honest lyrics and undeniable stage presence.
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No Release Date Yet
Even though most of the album is written, Megan hasn’t announced a release date yet. She’s still finalizing details and possibly adding more songs before locking in the final version.
She said she’s got a few more artists in mind for possible collaborations. For now, though, Kenny Chesney is the only confirmed guest, and that track is already out for fans to hear.
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