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 residence 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 scholar. 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 Rooster Fingers, greeting followers, and posing for selfies in a line that wrapped across the block. Megan Moroney, now one among nation music’s most-watched voices, returned to the counter with humility and coronary heart.

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 instructed 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 mates and I’d come to, celebrating the upcoming launch of my third album.”

“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 value. However now with songs like ‘Stunning Issues,’ I’ve lived sufficient life to know that I’m value it and I can inform different folks they’re value it too.”

She described “Cloud 9” as her most assured mission 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 identified who I’m, however this time I had the arrogance to experiment and simply have enjoyable.”

When requested to summarize the brand new file in a single phrase, Moroney selected, “Empowering.” “I hope the messages in these songs assist my followers get by life the identical method music helps me,” she added.

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 Rooster 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 thought for the UGA pop-up, he instantly stated sure. “She simply needed to be right here celebrating together with her followers, and that’s what Cane’s is all about. Neighborhood, connection, and nice Rooster Fingers.”

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 finest 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 needed to surrender, however it’s a must to consider in your self greater than anybody else. Rejoice the little wins alongside the best way.”

Graves chimed in along with his personal message of perseverance. “Take into consideration how onerous it is going to be to begin that enterprise, then multiply it by infinity, and when you’re nonetheless dedicated, don’t quit,” he instructed the gang. “If Megan or I had stop, the world wouldn’t have her music or Elevating Cane’s. Imagine in your self and preserve going.”

In the course of the Q&A, Moroney teased what followers can count on from her new album and why pink felt like the right colour 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 robust and empowering, however there’s a gentleness within the lyrics that comes from confidence, figuring out it’s okay to be smooth generally.”

She revealed that a lot of “Cloud 9” was recorded within the Bahamas, a setting that impressed each peace and perspective. “A number of the album, I sang the vocals by the ocean,” she stated. “It was this calm, comfortable house. I’d go on the boat within the morning and file at evening. That’s ‘Cloud 9’ for me.”

And when it got here to timing, Moroney stated she needed the mission to reach after the vacations. “I didn’t wish to get in the best way of Christmas albums,” she admitted as the gang laughed. “So I figured I’d wait till the brand new 12 months, and I’ve received extra surprises coming.”