New Artist of the Year Megan Moroney, 27, Criticized for CMA Performance — Video

The rising country star’s milestone win at a recent music event should have been a night of pure celebration, but her live performance quickly sparked conversation and controversy.

On Wednesday, November 20, the 58th annual CMA Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee. The evening saw Megan Moroney crowned as the New Artist of the Year. Moroney, nominated in three categories, delivered a performance of her anthem title track, “Am I Okay?” from her latest album during the event. However, her performance ignited mixed reactions, with many fans voicing their disappointment online.

The CMA Awards’ official Instagram page celebrated her victory with the post, “I think we’re really happy, and I think that we are better than okay. @MegMoroney is the #CMAawards New Artist of the Year 💙.”

Her stage presence was equally acknowledged with another post accompanying a short clip of her performance, stating, “OH MY GOD, WE ARE NOT OKAY! @MegMoroney has all of us dancing around right now after that performance on the #CMAawards stage 💙.”

The 27-year-old singer-songwriter took the stage in a shimmering mini gown with a full skirt and white cowboy boots. Her blonde hair flowed in voluminous waves, completing her glamorous country-inspired look.

Despite her recognition as the New Artist of the Year, Moroney’s live performance was met with criticism. Fans took to social media to share their thoughts, and many did not hold back. One user wrote, “Always sounds so bad live. And I really like her. No range.” Another shared, “Love her but I was disappointed.”

Some questioned the quality of her performance, with a fan asking, “Is Megan Moroney sick?! I remember her performing so much better when I saw her perform live.”

Other comments reflected frustration. One viewer noted, “Good lord. Why is Megan Moroney singing live[?] That was absolutely atrocious,” while another remarked, “I thought it was Barbie in cowboy boots who couldn’t sing.”

Critiques of her voice were common, with one user stating, “That was a terrible performance and her voice was so mediocre! I can’t believe this is the best new artist!” Meanwhile, another fan added, “She’s a good [songwriter], but her performance was underwhelming.” Yet another netizen agreed with the rest, saying, “She is ok, but not great. :/ Sounds horrible here.”

Some comments hinted at nerves or possible illness affecting her voice. One user commented, “Megan Moroney must be sick because I remember her being so much better than this,” while another speculated, “I think she was extremely nervous she sounded off but love her [sic]!” A viewer elaborated, “very cute, but her singing sounded flat and off key…maybe she was nervous, needed autocorrect. Bless her heart [sic].”

Many others continued to criticize the young artist, with one person stating, “Not a very good performance at all,” and another hinting that her victory should be “embarrassing for her.”

Others took a harsher tone, saying, “She won because she’s pretty, not because she can sing,” and “Man that was rough.” Another user quipped, “Oh my, her performance last night showed you don’t need to have a good voice as long as it can be run through a mixer.” More users chimed in with comments like, “She can’t sing. It was like being at a karaoke bar..”

Following her performance, Moroney accepted her New Artist of the Year award dressed in a stunning strapless cobalt blue gown. The dress featured a fitted bodice flared out into a dramatic tulle skirt, perfectly complementing her signature blonde waves and radiant smile.

The “No Called ID” singer expressed gratitude during her acceptance speech. “I was honored to even be in attendance tonight. So to be nominated and then to win Best New Artist, it means the world to me,” she began.

“I don’t make music to win awards but when you’re recognized, it feels good. I’m just so appreciative to the CMAs and to my fans. I feel like my band, my team, everybody has put in a lot of work…It’s nights like tonight where it feels like it’s starting to pay off,” said Moroney, holding the trophy proudly.

After the ceremony, Moroney opened up about the emotions of the evening. When asked how it felt to hold the award, she humorously replied, “Heavy,” before adding, “No, it’s awesome. I’m honored. Like I said, just being here tonight was already great for me…I was surprised if you couldn’t tell. I didn’t plan a speech…”

Reflecting on the moment, she admitted forgetting to thank some important people during her speech. “My parents and my friends. I think I left them out. They keep me sane, they keep me grounded. My mom and dad answer my calls throughout the day. And my friends…they listen to my new songs and they’re so supportive.”

The country singer, whose big night capped off a remarkable year, emphasized that simply being at the CMAs was enough to make her feel accomplished.

“I really had no expectations,” she shared. “I knew either way that I feel fortunate to be able to do this as a career and I know I have great fans so regardless of the outcome, I was just going to be happy to be here because I got to perform. Just being here tonight, it’s a dream come true for little Megan…”

When asked who she thought might have won in her place, Moroney said, “I had my money on Shaboozey.” She further reflected on the competitive nature of the music industry, saying, “Win or lose doesn’t define your artistry [sic].”

Moroney also spoke about the valuable guidance she’d received from legendary country artist Kenny Chesney, “He’s given me a lot of advice, both life advice and career advice. I would say the biggest takeaway I’ve gotten from him is one, be a good person and treat your people right and you will have a good crew forever. And two, write good songs.”

The cobalt blue gown Moroney wore to accept her New Artist of the Year award wasn’t just a striking fashion statement — it was also a heartfelt nod to her latest album, “Am I Okay?.”

Released on July 12, 2024, the album captures the highs and lows of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, blending raw emotional honesty with Moroney’s signature charm.

On her album’s release day, Moroney shared a deeply personal message with her fans, stating, “There’s love & heartbreak & strength & loss and friendship and I hope these songs find a home with you.”

Reflecting on the album’s creation, she revealed, “I was told over and over my sophomore album would be the hardest to write. I thought that might be true until I did what I have always done… I felt deep & unapologetically & wrote songs when my heart needed it.”

She added that the album’s deeply vulnerable and honest nature was inspired by the unwavering support of her fans. “Songwriting and making music really does light up my soul & I’m so grateful for each and every one of you.”

“Am I Okay?” has been hailed as a masterful follow-up to Moroney’s previous album, “Lucky.” Featuring her trademark storytelling and a dynamic emotional range, the album explores themes of heartbreak, resilience, and personal growth.

Tracks like “Indifferent” showcase Moroney’s ability to turn heartache into celebratory freedom, weaving whistled melodies and driving drumbeats into an anthem of independence. The production, guided by her longtime collaborator Kristian Bush, elevates the album’s sound while preserving Moroney’s authentic voice.

Describing the album, critics have highlighted Moroney’s unique ability to connect with listeners. Her music captures the essence of relatable emotions, leaving audiences “dazzled and more deeply connected to the full expanse of their own emotional life.”

Moroney’s journey to becoming one of country music’s breakout stars is as compelling as her music. Born in Savannah and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, she grew up playing music with her father and brother.

As a teenager, heartbreak led her to pick up a guitar, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her music career. “I got my heart broken so my dad brought me to Guitar Center and got me the Taylor that I still play now,” she recalled.

Though initially pursuing a degree in accounting at the University of Georgia, Moroney quickly found her true calling. A turning point came when she performed at a campus event attended by country star Chase Rice, who invited her to open for him at the Georgia Theatre.

“I’d never written before but I finished a song in time for the show, which ended up being sold out. Right away I fell in love with performing—it was so cool to feel a room full of people connecting with the words I was singing,” she shared.

Her career took off in 2022 with her platinum-certified breakout single, “Tennessee Orange,” which cracked the Top 20 on country radio. Since then, she’s earned a spot in the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2023 and has continued to build a dedicated fanbase. Moroney describes her music as “unforgettably cathartic,” likening it to “a heart-to-heart with your most wildly honest friend.”

Her authenticity shines through in every lyric, with songs drawn directly from her life. “I don’t ever put on a persona or try to be something I’m not,” she emphasized.

Megan Moroney’s CMA win, her personal and heartfelt album “Am I Okay?,” and her country music stardom illustrate her ability to resonate deeply with fans.

While she has faced criticism for her performance, her authenticity and storytelling continue to define her as a standout voice in the country music scene.