Megan Moroney teases Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae collaborations for 2025 album

Megan Moroney, a rising country music sensation, has sparked excitement with her plans to collaborate with pop superstars Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae, signaling a bold new direction in her career. In a recent interview with People magazine, the 27-year-old singer, who performed at the CMA Fest in Nashville on June 7, expressed her desire to work with the chart-topping artists, envisioning a “sad and angry” track with Rodrigo and a “fun” one with McRae. This announcement comes as Moroney prepares her next album, following the success of her 2024 release, Am I Okay?, which solidified her place in the country music scene. Known for hits like “Tennessee Orange,” she also brought a personal touch to CMA Fest by performing alongside her brother, Brian, continuing a four-year family tradition. The prospect of blending country with pop through these collaborations has fans buzzing, eager to see how Moroney’s authentic storytelling might merge with the global appeal of Rodrigo and McRae. Her latest moves suggest a strategic effort to bridge genres while staying true to her roots.

The news of potential collaborations has gained traction, especially after Moroney’s standout performance at CMA Fest, one of the world’s largest country music festivals. With a growing fanbase drawn to her emotional lyrics and relatable persona, Moroney is clearly aiming to expand her reach. “I’m a fan of both of them,” she said of Rodrigo and McRae, noting brief encounters with the artists that left her optimistic about future projects. These comments highlight her openness to experimenting with new sounds, a move that could attract listeners from both country and pop audiences.

Her CMA Fest appearance further cemented her connection to country music’s heartland. Performing at the Nissan Stadium, Moroney invited her brother, Brian, to join her on guitar for “Tennessee Orange,” a fan-favorite that captures her knack for heartfelt storytelling. This family moment, paired with her ambitions for high-profile collaborations, paints a picture of an artist balancing tradition with innovation, poised for a breakout moment in 2025.

Why Rodrigo and McRae?

Megan Moroney’s interest in collaborating with Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae reflects both personal admiration and a keen understanding of the music industry’s evolving landscape. Cross-genre partnerships, particularly between country and pop, have become increasingly common, with artists like Kacey Musgraves and Post Malone successfully blending styles. Moroney, whose music already carries a universal emotional weight, seems ready to capitalize on this trend.

Olivia Rodrigo, at 22, has dominated pop with her raw, introspective hits like “drivers license” and “vampire,” which share thematic similarities with Moroney’s own tales of heartbreak and vulnerability. Moroney envisions a collaboration that leans “sad and angry,” a tone that aligns with her nickname, “emo cowgirl.” Such a track could merge Rodrigo’s pop-punk edge with the narrative depth of country, creating a powerful crossover anthem.

Tate McRae, 21, brings a different energy with her dance-pop hits like “you broke me first” and her recent chart-topping duet with Morgan Wallen, “What I Want.” Having previously joined Moroney to perform “Tennessee Orange” last year, McRae’s vibrant style could inspire a “more fun” track, as Moroney described. This partnership might introduce Moroney’s music to McRae’s younger, global fanbase, amplifying her reach.

• Key factors in the collaborations:
  • Personal connection: Moroney has met both artists, fostering potential for creative synergy.
  • Stylistic fit: Rodrigo’s emotional depth and McRae’s upbeat energy complement Moroney’s versatility.
  • Market trends: Cross-genre collaborations are reshaping the music industry.
  • Audience growth: Partnering with pop stars could draw new listeners to Moroney’s work.

A New Album Takes Shape

As speculation about collaborations grows, Moroney is hard at work on her next album, which she describes as “lighter and more carefree” than her previous releases. This shift in tone suggests she’s ready to explore new creative territory, potentially influenced by the pop sensibilities of Rodrigo and McRae. Following the success of Am I Okay?, which broke merchandising sales records at venues like the Armory in Minneapolis, the upcoming project is highly anticipated.

Moroney’s recent ventures, including a second fashion collection with Boys Lie launched in June 2025, show her expanding influence beyond music. Her ability to connect with fans through both her songs and personal brand has made her a standout in the industry. The new album, paired with potential collaborations, could mark a defining moment in her career.

Family Ties at CMA Fest

Moroney’s CMA Fest performance was a highlight of her year, blending professional milestones with personal significance. For the fourth consecutive year, she invited her brother, Brian, to play guitar during “Tennessee Orange,” a tradition that resonates deeply with fans. The song’s themes of love and loyalty, set against a backdrop of college football rivalries, embody the storytelling that defines country music.

Held annually in Nashville, CMA Fest draws thousands of fans and showcases the genre’s biggest names. Moroney’s slot at the Nissan Stadium underscored her rising status, while her brother’s appearance added a layer of authenticity. Social media posts from attendees praised the siblings’ chemistry, with many calling it a standout moment of the festival.

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The Power of “Tennessee Orange”

“Tennessee Orange” has become a cornerstone of Moroney’s catalog, celebrated for its relatable lyrics and catchy melody. Released as part of her debut album, Lucky, in 2023, the song has grown into a fan anthem, often performed at high-profile events. Its versatility was evident when Moroney and Tate McRae performed it together last year, hinting at the cross-genre potential now fueling her collaboration plans.

The song’s enduring popularity has kept it in heavy rotation at country radio and streaming platforms. By bringing Brian on stage to perform it at CMA Fest, Moroney reinforced its personal significance, connecting with audiences on a deeper level. Fans have since called for new versions of the track, including possible remixes with artists like McRae.

Moroney’s Rise in Country Music

Dubbed the “emo cowgirl” by her fans, Megan Moroney has carved out a unique space in country music with her vulnerable lyrics and modern take on the genre. Since her debut, she has earned awards, nominations, and sold-out shows at venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Armory. Her collaboration with Kenny Chesney on “You Had to Be There,” released in May 2025, further elevated her profile, drawing from her experience opening for his Sun Goes Down tour.

Moroney’s ability to blend authenticity with ambition has drawn comparisons to artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Maren Morris. Her record-breaking merchandise sales and growing festival presence signal a star on the rise, ready to take on bigger stages and broader audiences.

• Career milestones:
  • Debut album Lucky in 2023, followed by Am I Okay? in 2024.
  • Record-breaking merchandise sales at the Armory, outpacing artists like Gracie Abrams.
  • Collaboration with Kenny Chesney on “You Had to Be There.”
  • Regular performances at major festivals like CMA Fest and Grand Ole Opry.

Bonding with Olivia Rodrigo

The prospect of working with Olivia Rodrigo has fans particularly excited, given the shared emotional intensity in their music. Moroney has admitted to listening to Rodrigo’s songs when she’s “really sad,” suggesting a deep connection to the pop star’s work. Their brief meeting has fueled hopes that a collaboration could materialize, potentially blending Rodrigo’s dramatic flair with Moroney’s country roots.

A “sad and angry” track featuring both artists could explore universal themes like heartbreak or betrayal, appealing to fans of both genres. Social media discussions have already begun, with listeners imagining how their voices and styles might intertwine in a studio setting.

Tate McRae’s Pop Appeal

In contrast, a collaboration with Tate McRae promises a lighter, more energetic vibe. McRae’s recent success, including her duet with Morgan Wallen, has made her a household name in pop. Her previous performance with Moroney showcased their natural chemistry, setting the stage for a potential hit that could blend country storytelling with danceable beats.

Moroney’s vision of a “more fun” track suggests she’s eager to step outside her comfort zone, experimenting with rhythms that could broaden her appeal. Given McRae’s massive following, any joint project would likely dominate streaming platforms and radio charts.

What’s Next for Moroney

With a new album in the works and high-profile collaborations on the horizon, Megan Moroney is poised for a breakout year in 2025. Her ability to straddle country and pop while maintaining her authenticity sets her apart in a competitive industry. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how her next project will build on the success of Am I Okay?.

Beyond music, Moroney’s fashion collaborations and festival appearances keep her in the spotlight. Her second Boys Lie collection, launched this month, has further solidified her status as a cultural influencer, particularly among younger fans. As she continues to evolve, Moroney’s trajectory points to even greater achievements.

Bridging Country and Pop

Moroney’s pursuit of collaborations with Rodrigo and McRae underscores a broader shift in music, where genre boundaries are increasingly fluid. Country artists like Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan have already found mainstream success, and Moroney appears ready to follow suit. Her modern approach and universal themes position her as a leader in this crossover movement.

The potential partnerships also highlight the influence of female artists in today’s music scene. Rodrigo, McRae, and Moroney represent a generation unafraid to take risks and redefine expectations. If these collaborations come to fruition, they could reshape the industry and inspire a new wave of genre-blending projects.