Megan Moroney’s UGA Pop-Up Adds A Pink-Sparkled Chapter To Raising Cane’s

Nonetheless driving 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 house to Athens, Georgia, and The Blast was there as she celebrated with followers on the similar Elevating Cane’s she as soon as frequented as a scholar. Joined by Raising 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 considered one of 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 wonderful and humbling to be again right here in Athens,” Moroney informed 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 hearken to them, and now I’m right here on the similar Cane’s my associates and I might 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 ‘Woman 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 individuals they’re price it too.”

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

When requested to summarize the brand new document 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 goals 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 throughout 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 dwelling our goals. 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. 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 kids chasing their very own goals.

“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 a must to consider in your self greater than anybody else. Have fun the little wins alongside the way in which.”

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

Through the Q&A, Moroney teased what followers can anticipate from her new album and why pink felt like the proper 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 sturdy and empowering, however there’s a gentleness within the lyrics that comes from confidence, figuring out it’s okay to be smooth 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 area. I’d go on the boat within the morning and document at evening. That’s ‘Cloud 9’ for me.”

And when it got here to timing, Moroney stated she wished the challenge to reach after the vacations. “I didn’t need to get in the way in which of Christmas albums,” she admitted as the group laughed. “So I figured I’d wait till the brand new yr, and I’ve bought extra surprises coming.”