Megan Moroney Creates ‘Cloud 9’ Fan Frenzy With Unexpected NYC Pop-Up

Megan Moroney turned Times Square pink this week, and fans had no idea what was coming. The country star celebrated the release of her third studio album, "Cloud 9," by hosting a surprise listening party inside Raising Cane’s Global Flagship restaurant in New York City, creating a moment that brought music, fandom, and fried chicken. What started as a typical visit for fans quickly transformed into an unforgettable experience when Moroney herself appeared, greeting attendees and joining the celebration. The event marked not only the album launch but also the latest chapter in Megan Moroney’s growing partnership with the fast-food brand.

Fans dressed in Moroney’s signature pink packed into the Times Square location on Friday, February 20, expecting a listening experience, but many were stunned when the singer suddenly emerged from behind the counter carrying a Box Combo as her new album played throughout the restaurant.

The multi-platinum artist spent time greeting attendees, posing for selfies, and signing albums, creating an intimate moment with fans despite the bustling New York City setting. The surprise appearance followed months of anticipation after Moroney first teased "Cloud 9" back in November.

Moroney’s connection with Raising Cane’s has developed organically over time, including appearances at locations near her alma mater, the University of Georgia. She has also formed a close relationship with founder Todd Graves and his family, something she openly acknowledged during the event.

“My favorite thing about the Cane’s partnership is that it’s just so organic. My Twitter bio used to say, ‘Can I please get a Box Combo with an extra sauce and a Sprite,’” Moroney told the press in attendance. “It’s very easy to partner with Cane’s, and I love Todd. I love his story; he’s very hardworking, kind, and his whole family is wonderful. It’s fun, and I like to include Cane’s in all this exciting stuff.”

The event leaned heavily into Moroney’s “Emo Cowgirl” aesthetic, with pink decor, sparkles, and themed merchandise filling the restaurant. Lucky fans received signed posters, vinyl records, and pink Cane’s hats.

The Times Square event also served as the launchpad for in-restaurant Cloud 9 displays that are now rolling out across more than 900 Raising Cane’s locations nationwide.

The displays extend the album’s visibility beyond New York City, allowing fans across the country to take part in the excitement surrounding the release.

The Times Square celebration wasn’t the first time Moroney marked her "Cloud 9 era" with Raising Cane’s. Back in November, shortly after announcing the new album, the country star returned to Athens, Georgia, for a hometown-style fan event at the same Raising Cane’s location she frequented during her college years at the University of Georgia.

Joined by Raising Cane’s founder and fellow UGA alum Todd Graves, Moroney stepped behind the counter for a hands-on “shift,” serving Chicken Fingers, greeting fans, and posing for selfies as a line stretched around the block. Dressed head-to-toe in pink, the singer took time to reflect on how far she’s come since her college days.

“It’s amazing and humbling to be back here in Athens,” Moroney told reporters back in November. “Every time I’m here, I’m reminded that I used to be the sorority girl singing songs in the house without anyone to listen to them, and now I’m here at the same Cane’s my friends and I would come to, celebrating the upcoming release of my third album.”

She also spoke candidly about her personal growth and how it shaped the music on "Cloud 9."

“It was really fun to create music where I’m just, like, this version of myself,” she continued. “For example, on ‘Unlucky’ or ‘Girl in the Mirror,’ I was questioning my worth. But now with songs like ‘Beautiful Things,’ I’ve lived enough life to know that I’m worth it and I can tell other people they’re worth it too.”

Moroney’s latest album arrives during a period of major career momentum for the country star, whose breakout hit “Tennessee Orange” and previous albums "Lucky" and "Am I Okay?" helped establish her as one of the genre’s fastest-rising artists.