Kenny Chesney shared a photo with “I’m Not Pretty” superstar Megan Moroney on Thursday (November 21), to congratulate the rapidly-rising artist on her CMA victory.
Moroney, 27, won the New Artist of the Year award at the 58th CMA Awards, hosted on Wednesday night (November 20) at Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The show aired live on ABC and is now streaming on Hulu. Moroney emotionally accepted the honor after taking the stage to perform the title track of her sophomore record, Am I Okay?
“Congratulations to [Megan Moroney] on your big win last night. We are all so happy for you and proud to watch you stand up there last night like a star that you are. This is just the beginning!! We love you Megan!!!” Chesney wrote in his caption on Instagram as he paid tribute to his 2024 tour mate. Moroney joined Chesney on his headlining Sun Goes Down 2024 Stadium Tour. The tour also included Zac Brown Band and Uncle Kracker. Moroney responded to Chesney in the comments: “KENNY IM GONNA CRYYYY😭 you’re the best thank you for everything always LOVE YOU!!!!!!”
Moroney, who also embarked on her own headlining tour and quickly sold out dates in 2025, said when she accepted the Nw Artist of the Year Award: “I’m gonna try to get through this without crying. thank you, Jesus, for putting this dream on my heart, and thank you for the gift of songwriting. This is for my fans. I would say they’re a large reason of why I’m up here right now. The way they show up for me, the way they care about my songs, and make signs and t-shirts, and wait outside the venue starting at 3 a.m. It’s really insane to me. …This means so much to me.”
The Georgia-born singer-songwriter accepted the honor after taking the stage in a dazzling dress, delivering an energetic performance of “Am I Okay?” Watch the performance again here: