A trio of country’s modern superstars — Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Church and Megan Moroney — honored Kenny Chesney as he joined the ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday night (Oct. 19.)
Ballerini brought an upbeat spark with her lively take on “Somewhere With You,” perfectly channeling Chesney’s signature live energy. Church followed with a powerhouse medley of hits, reminding everyone just how deep Chesney’s catalog runs.
But it was Moroney’s heartfelt rendition of “Knowing You” that stole the spotlight, delivering one of the most tender and reverent performances of the night.
Watch Megan Moroney Perform “Knowing You” For Kenny Chesney’s Country Hall of Fame Induction
Moroney sat on stage with her acoustic guitar to deliver the performance, leaving her seat at one point to give Chesney a hug from the stage.
The nostalgia and heartbreak of “Knowing You” came naturally to Moroney, a younger star who’s no stranger to those themes in her own music.
But this performance carried an extra layer of meaning. On the Hall of Fame stage, her delivery felt like a quiet thank you — a heartfelt tribute to a country icon who has since become her mentor, tour boss and duet partner.
Read More: 25 Kenny Chesney Songs That Show Why He’s a Hall of Famer
During his remarks at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony, Chesney mentioned that he was surprised to see Moroney — in fact, he thought she was in Australia.
Backstage before the show, Moroney also told fans that the appearance was a big surprise. She sang a snippet of “Knowing You” and played guitar in that clip, which looks like it was filmed in one of the Hall of Fame’s dressing rooms.
How Do Kenny Chesney + Megan Moroney Know Each Other?
Moroney toured as an opening act on Chesney’s 2024 Sun Goes Down Tour. They’ve since remained close friends.
She officially introduced the country legend to TikTok, he gave her a custom-built sauna as an end-of-tour gift, and she pranked him at a show by wheeling onstage in a mini-tractor for “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.”
But their friendship isn’t just about laughs. They also released a duet called “You Had to Be There” early this year.
Who Else Was Inducted Into the Country Music Hall of Fame?
June Carter Cash and Tony Brown were also inducted as part of this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame class. A group of stars performed in tribute to each inductee.
George Strait made a surprise appearance to perform “Troubadour” in honor of Tony Brown.
See Performance Photos From the 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony
Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash and Tony Brown became the three newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday night (Oct. 19.) Flip through the gallery below to see some of the best photos of tribute performances by Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini, George Strait and more.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
