Country singer Megan Moroney says she has become accustomed to online criticism as her profile grows, arguing that public commentary and speculation are now an unavoidable part of writing personal songs. Her album *Cloud 9* has given her her first Billboard 200 number one, while her current US arena tour marks the biggest run of shows of her career, underlining her move into the mainstream.

Moroney says fans often scrutinise her lyrics for clues about her private life, including speculation that “Who Hurt You” concerns fellow country singer Riley Green, although she has not confirmed its subject. She remains committed to candid songwriting but stresses that songs can reflect a brief, intense feeling rather than a lasting real-life conflict; she also attributes country music’s recent appeal partly to audiences seeking authenticity and strong storytelling after the Covid-19 pandemic.