Megan Moroney Honored by Alicia Keys at LA Event

Rising country star says she "can't believe" the music icon knows who she is.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Country music artist Megan Moroney was honored at the Women Sharing The Spotlight event organized by She Is the Music, a organization co-founded by Alicia Keys. Moroney was presented with the Artist Spotlight Award, which recognized her success and that of her all-female team. In her acceptance speech, Moroney expressed disbelief that Keys, a music icon, was aware of her work.

Why it matters

The event and Moroney's award highlight the ongoing efforts to increase the representation of women in the music industry, an area that has traditionally been male-dominated. Moroney's comments about there being "room for a few women at the top" reflect the challenges many female artists still face in breaking through.

The details

At the event in West Hollywood, California, Moroney took the stage to accept her Artist Spotlight Award. According to Rolling Stone, she told the audience, "I'm not even gonna play with y'all. I can't believe Alicia Keys knows who I am." Moroney's award recognized not only her own success, but also the accomplishments of her all-female team.

  • The event took place on February 18, 2026.
  • Moroney's new album 'Cloud 9' is set to be released on Friday.

The players

Megan Moroney

A rising country music artist who was honored at the Women Sharing The Spotlight event.

Alicia Keys

A music icon and co-founder of She Is the Music, the organization that hosted the event where Moroney was honored.

She Is the Music

An organization co-founded by Alicia Keys that aims to increase the number of women working in the music industry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not even gonna play with y'all. I can't believe Alicia Keys knows who I am.”

— Megan Moroney (Rolling Stone)

“I'm inspired every time I get to be in a room with bada** women who change the game every day, who do things their own way, and who don't take no for an answer.”

— Megan Moroney (Rolling Stone)

“I think sometimes we're taught, subtly or not, that there's only room for a few women at the top. But music and creating art isn't a competition for oxygen. I'm positive that when one of us wins, it stretches the ceiling higher for the next girl watching.”

— Megan Moroney (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

Moroney's new album 'Cloud 9' is set to be released on Friday.

The takeaway

This event and Moroney's award highlight the ongoing efforts to increase the representation of women in the male-dominated music industry, and Moroney's comments reflect the challenges many female artists still face in breaking through and achieving success.