Megan Moroney Addresses Death Threats from “Tennessee Orange” Fans

Megan Moroney, the rising country star, revealed that she has received death threats over her hit song “Tennessee Orange.” During an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on October 7, 2023, Moroney shared insights into the backstory of the popular track, which has amassed over 425 million streams on Spotify.

The song, produced by Kristian Bush of Sugarland, narrates the experience of falling in love with someone who supports a rival college football team. Moroney, originally from Savannah, Georgia, attended the University of Georgia from 2016 to 2020, where her loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs was deeply ingrained. She humorously recounted how her family tradition of supporting the Bulldogs was so strong that her grandfather was laid to rest in a University of Georgia casket.

Upon moving to Nashville to pursue her music career, Moroney found her allegiances shifting. “So when I moved to Nashville, I found myself wearing a Volunteers shirt,” she explained. “I remember looking in the mirror, going, ‘My mom would absolutely kill me right now if she saw me in this gaudy orange.’” This internal conflict inspired her to write a love song about changing team colors for the sake of romance: “I like this dude enough to not wear Georgia Red.”

Despite the widespread popularity of “Tennessee Orange,” which has resonated with millions, some fans expressed their discontent. “Yeah, I got death threats over that song,” Moroney said with a laugh, acknowledging the backlash while highlighting the song’s impact on her career.

From Backlash to Stardom

The controversy surrounding “Tennessee Orange” did not hinder Moroney’s rise to fame. In 2022, the song earned her a nomination for Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards (CMA). Following this success, she released her debut album, “Lucky,” in 2023, which included the popular track “I’m Not Pretty.”

In 2024, Moroney continued to build her presence in the country music scene with the release of her second studio album, “Am I Okay?” Recently, she completed her final shows in the United States for the tour supporting this album.

Moroney’s journey underscores the often unpredictable nature of artistic expression, particularly within the realm of country music, where regional loyalties run deep. As she navigates the complexities of fame and fan expectations, her story serves as a reminder of the power of music to evoke strong emotions, both positive and negative.

As Moroney reflects on her experiences, it is clear that “Tennessee Orange” not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also highlighted the passionate ties fans have to their teams and the artists who engage with them.