Lainey Wilson

Latest News: Lainey Wilson Secures Four Nominations for 2024 CMA Awards

Country music star Lainey Wilson is a prominent contender for the upcoming 2024 CMA Awards, securing four nominations. Wilson’s nominations place her just behind Morgan Wallen, who leads with seven nominations, and closely following Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson, each with five. As the reigning Entertainer of the Year, Wilson is set to compete against Wallen, Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll for the coveted title at the awards ceremony scheduled for November 20.

Wilson is also in the running for her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year award. Her acclaimed track “Watermelon Moonshine” is nominated for Single of the Year, while the music video for “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” has earned a nod for Music Video of the Year. Both tracks are featured on her critically acclaimed album, Bell Bottom Country.

Since her debut as a CMA nominee in 2022, Wilson has amassed a total of seven awards. Although her latest album, Whirlwind, was released on August 23—after the eligibility period for this year’s awards—Wilson’s previous work continues to garner significant recognition.

Who Is Lainey Wilson?

Lainey Wilson is a Grammy-winning country music artist celebrated for her evocative songwriting and distinctive voice. With notable tracks such as “Things a Man Oughta Know,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and “Heart Like a Truck,” Wilson has established herself as a prominent figure in the country music landscape. Hailing from Louisiana, she relocated to Nashville at the age of 19 with aspirations of becoming a country music star. Initially, her musical style faced resistance from industry executives who felt it did not align with contemporary trends, leading to a prolonged period of struggle. However, her breakthrough came in 2019 when her music was featured on the hit television series Yellowstone, which significantly boosted her visibility and popularity. Wilson’s acclaim continued to grow, culminating in her leading the nominations at the 2023 CMA Awards and securing five wins, including prestigious honors such as Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Where Is Lainey Wilson From?

Lainey Denay Wilson, born on May 19, 1992, hails from Baskin, Louisiana, a small town with a population of under 300 residents. She was raised by her father, Brian Wilson, a fifth-generation farmer, and her mother, Michelle Wilson, a schoolteacher. Lainey has an older sister named Janna.

From a young age, Lainey was deeply influenced by her parents’ musical and fashion tastes. Her father played guitar at the family’s kitchen table, inspiring Lainey and Janna to create dances for his songs. Brian Wilson, who admired artists such as Buck Owens and Glen Campbell, entertained passing motorists as a child by impersonating these musicians on a picnic table with his guitar. Lainey’s admiration for Dolly Parton was evident in her 2021 single “WWDD” (“What Would Dolly Do?”), a tribute to the legendary singer.

Lainey’s sense of fashion was similarly shaped by her mother. A pair of bell bottoms given to her by Michelle became a signature part of Lainey’s onstage wardrobe. In a conversation with Billboard, Lainey recalled her mother’s insistence on washing the blue leopard-print pants, noting, “I’ve always been in love with things that are throwbacks, whether it’s music or stories.”

In addition to cheerleading and basketball, Lainey gravitated towards music. Inspired by Britney Spears, another prominent Louisiana native, she wrote her first song at age 9 and began playing guitar at 11. Reflecting on her early ambition, Lainey shared with Holler in 2021, “It’s honestly been one of those things that from 9 years old, I knew I was going to do. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew it was going to be a journey.”

During her middle and high school years, Lainey gained performance experience by impersonating Hannah Montana at various events and venues. She also formed a cover band called the Cadillac Kings, performing at bars and clubs despite the group being underage.

After graduating high school, Lainey, then 19, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in August 2011, driven by her determination to pursue a career in country music.

Early Career Struggles

Despite her unwavering optimism, Wilson’s initial journey into the music industry was fraught with challenges. After relocating to Nashville, she spent three years living modestly in a camper trailer parked outside a recording studio owned by a family friend who owed a favor to her grandfather. In a November 2022 interview with Good Morning America, Wilson recounted that she often slept in multiple layers, including three pairs of socks and several jackets, to combat the winter chill. Additionally, she relied on her neighbor for essential utilities such as water, internet service, and electricity.

During this period, Wilson tirelessly canvassed Nashville’s Music Row, distributing demos and CDs in hopes of finding an opportunity to advance her career. However, her distinctive, twangy voice and deeply personal songwriting were met with resistance from music executives, who deemed her style “too country for country,” contrasting sharply with the pop-influenced sound that dominated the genre. “I had a lot of folks slam the door in my face,” Wilson admitted in an interview with People. “There were some hard times, there were some rough days, times when I probably should have packed it up and went home.”

Despite these setbacks, Wilson remained determined. She released her self-titled debut album in 2014, and the following year, she crossed paths with Mandelyn Monchick. Impressed by Wilson’s song “Dreamcatcher,” Monchick recognized her potential and became her manager, as reported by The Washington Post. Wilson’s second album, Tougher, was released in 2016 and achieved modest success, peaking at No. 44 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

By 2018, Wilson secured a publishing deal and signed with Broken Bow Records. However, she was still not widely recognized within the country music scene. It would take the influence of an emerging television show to begin altering her trajectory.

Music and Role on Yellowstone

Like other emerging country artists such as Zach Bryan, Lainey Wilson’s career received a significant boost when her music was featured on the hit drama series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner.

Wilson’s first song to appear on the Paramount series was “Working Overtime,” featured in Season 2 in 2019. Since then, Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan has showcased more of her music, including “Straight Up Sideways” and “Small Town Girl” in Season 3, as well as “Smell Like Smoke,” a track Wilson specifically wrote for Season 5.

Wilson’s involvement with the series went beyond her music. In 2022, Sheridan offered her an on-screen role in Yellowstone’s fifth season. She appeared in four episodes, portraying Abby, a local musician who develops a romantic relationship with Ryan, a ranch worker played by series regular Ian Bohen. Wilson recounted to Variety that Sheridan told her, “I want to create a character specifically for you—I want you to wear your bell bottoms, sing your own songs, and pretty much be yourself.” She noted that this opportunity was Sheridan’s way of helping her connect with a broader audience, giving her a face to match the music.

Wilson’s time on the show was nearly cut short due to a personal crisis: her father, Brian, suffered a stroke and developed an infection, requiring nine surgeries, including the removal of his left eye. Despite her initial desire to quit, her father urged her to continue. Recalling the conversation with People, she said, “I told him, ‘Daddy, I can’t leave you,’ but he insisted, saying, ‘You better go, and you better not come back until the job is done.’ That’s the kind of determination he instilled in me.” Ultimately, Wilson honored her commitments and completed the role, a testament to her resilience and dedication.

Breakthrough and Rise to Country Stardom

Lainey Wilson’s career took a significant turn following the success of the TV show Yellowstone, which brought attention from Nashville to her distinctive music style. In 2019, she released the EP Redneck Hollywood, featuring the autobiographical single “LA,” a nod to her home state of Louisiana. That same year, Wilson joined Morgan Wallen on tour, further solidifying her presence in the country music scene.

In February 2020, Wilson achieved one of her lifelong dreams by debuting at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Her single “Things a Man Oughta Know” was released to radio later that summer and became her breakout hit. By September 2021, the song had reached the top of the Country Airplay chart, securing Wilson her first No. 1 hit. That year, Billboard recognized her as the top new country artist. Her 2021 studio album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, also gained traction, peaking at No. 40.

Wilson’s upward trajectory continued with her 2022 album Bell Bottom Country, which featured multiple hit singles, including “Watermelon Moonshine,” which reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, and “Heart Like a Truck,” which peaked at No. 2. Her growing success was further validated at the 2022 Country Music Association Awards, where she was nominated in six categories and won New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude and determination, stating, “I promise you I know I’m new to a lot of folks, but I won’t let you all down. I promise you.”

CMA Entertainer of the Year and Grammy Success

Lainey Wilson’s impressive 2023 continued to solidify her place among country music’s elite. Following her promise from the previous year, Wilson collaborated on two hit duets: “Wait in the Truck” with Hardy and “Save Me” with Jelly Roll. Known for her relentless work ethic, Wilson revealed in an October radio interview that she had scheduled over 160 performances for the year, remarking, “It’s been hard, it’s been busy, but these are the moments that I’ve dreamed about and prayed for.”

Wilson’s efforts did not go unnoticed. At the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023, she took home four awards, including Album of the Year for Bell Bottom Country and Female Artist of the Year, an honor presented to her by her idol, Dolly Parton. In September, Wilson became the most-nominated artist for the CMA Awards with nine nominations. At the November ceremony, she retained her Best Female Vocalist title and became the first female artist to win Entertainer of the Year since Taylor Swift in 2011, ultimately taking home five awards.

Wilson’s success extended beyond the CMA Awards. Days after the ceremony, she received two Grammy nominations: Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Save Me.” In February 2024, Bell Bottom Country won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album.

Her accolades continued into mid-May when she won three ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year. Less than a week later, Reba McEntire invited Wilson to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Capping off a remarkable month, the documentary Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country premiered on Hulu, and Wilson expanded her business ventures by opening the Bell Bottoms Up Bar in Nashville, adding bar owner to her growing résumé.

New Album and Tour

Following her successful debut as a headliner on her first international tour, the singer has embarked on her latest concert series, the “Country’s Cool Again Tour.” The tour spans over 35 shows and will run through mid-December 2024.

In mid-August, Wilson reached a significant milestone halfway through the tour with the release of her new album, Whirlwind. The album’s lead single, “Hang Tight Honey,” quickly gained traction on country radio, climbing to No. 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart just a week before the full album’s release. Whirlwind debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and secured the No. 3 spot on the Top Country Albums chart.

Wilson’s impressive run continued with four nominations for the 2024 CMA Awards in September, including the chance to defend her titles as Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming ceremony in November.

Boyfriend

In May 2023, Lainey Wilson attended the ACM Awards with former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, confirming their relationship. People magazine verified with Wilson’s representatives that the two were dating. However, during an appearance on The Bobby Bones Show a month after the ACMs, Wilson revealed that she and Hodges had actually been together for over two years.

The couple first met in 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee, through mutual friends. Wilson explained to People that she kept her relationship with the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback private to ensure Hodges was “in it for the right reasons.”

Hodges, 28, retired from professional football in 2022 and now works in real estate. “He knows what it’s like chasing a dream because he’s done that for himself,” Wilson shared. “But I’ll tell you, he is good as gold. He supports me, would never stand in the way of anything I’m trying to do. He’s like, ‘Go get it, girl.’”

Weight Loss Journey

Wilson has made notable changes to her diet and exercise routines in recent years, embarking on a dedicated path to improved health. In 2020, she declared her “Year of Health,” during which she made significant adjustments by eliminating dairy, sugar, and processed foods from her diet. To further support her goals, she hired a personal trainer and incorporated regular running and hiking into her fitness regimen. Through these efforts, Wilson reportedly achieved a remarkable weight loss of up to 70 pounds.

Her transformation garnered widespread attention, especially after a TikTok video in December 2022 went viral. The video featured Wilson performing in leopard pants that accentuated her new figure. Addressing the attention with humor, Wilson remarked in an Instagram video, “Whatever brings the people in, whatever brings the people in! But I’m just letting y’all know, go check out my record, Bell Bottom Country. Happy to have ya either way. However you found me, I’m happy.”

Here are the quotes rewritten in a professional tone:

1. “I remember a time when someone told me I wasn’t good enough and hoped I wouldn’t cry when I left the station. I leaned over his desk and said, ‘With all the years I’ve spent in Nashville, your opinion doesn’t mean a thing.’ This might be a bit of a flaw in my character, but comments like that only fueled my drive for success.”
2. “After being in Nashville for so long, I reached a point where I stopped caring about what others thought. I felt, ‘Why not just speak my mind and express myself the way I want to?’ That mindset was truly liberating.”
3. “When I reflect on my journey, I honestly wonder if I would have pursued this path had I known how difficult it would be. It sounds surprising, but it has been incredibly tough. Still, this was my only path—there was no Plan B.”
4. “To me, it’s like the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and Dolly Parton. That’s the level of reverence I have.”
5. “I want young people to understand that nothing worthwhile happens overnight. If you want something, you have to invest your time, energy, and effort. When someone tells you no, find a way to turn it into a yes.”