Grammy-winning country artist Lainey Wilson gained widespread attention after her music was featured on the hit TV drama Yellowstone. Her 2022 album, Bell Bottom Country, has further solidified her place in the country music scene.
Latest News: Lainey Wilson’s Grand Ole Opry Invite
On May 21, during the season finale of The Voice, country star Lainey Wilson received a surprise invitation from one of her music idols, Reba McEntire. McEntire, a legendary figure in country music and a coach on the NBC show, invited Wilson to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. McEntire praised Wilson, saying, “You are blowing it up,” and expressed her pride in Wilson’s success, particularly at the ACM Awards. She then presented Wilson with a commemorative belt buckle, marking her Opry membership.
Visibly emotional, Wilson, who had just celebrated her 32nd birthday on May 19, expressed her gratitude. Alongside this milestone, Wilson also announced a new album titled Whirlwind, set for release on August 23. Additionally, she is the focus of a new documentary, Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country, premiering on Hulu on May 29.
Who is Lainey Wilson?
Lainey Wilson, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, is best known for her hit songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and “Heart Like a Truck.” Born and raised in the small town of Baskin, Louisiana, Wilson moved to Nashville at 19, determined to make her mark in country music. Despite early struggles and being deemed “too country for country,” her persistence paid off when her music began to feature on Yellowstone in 2019. This exposure led to widespread recognition, and at the 2023 CMA Awards, Wilson received the most nominations, ultimately winning five categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Lainey Wilson’s Roots
Lainey Denay Wilson was born on May 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, a town with a population of fewer than 300 people. Her father, Brian Wilson, is a fifth-generation farmer, and her mother, Michelle Wilson, is a schoolteacher. Lainey has an older sister named Janna. From an early age, Wilson was influenced by her parents in both music and fashion. Her father played guitar at the family’s kitchen table, inspiring Wilson and her sister to create dances for his songs. Brian, who idolized artists like Buck Owens and Glen Campbell, passed on his love for country music to his daughters. Meanwhile, Wilson’s fashion sense, including her signature bell bottoms, was inspired by her mother, who gave her a pair of blue leopard-print pants when she was a young girl.
Early Career and Challenges
Lainey Wilson moved to Nashville in 2011, full of hope but faced many challenges. She lived in a camper trailer for three years, parked outside a recording studio, and struggled to gain traction in the industry. Despite numerous rejections, Wilson persisted, releasing her self-titled debut album in 2014 and a follow-up, Tougher, in 2016. Her persistence began to pay off when she signed with Broken Bow Records in 2018, but it was the inclusion of her music in Yellowstone that truly launched her career.
In 2022, Wilson appeared in several episodes of Yellowstone as Abby, a character specifically created for her by the show’s co-creator, Taylor Sheridan. This role, coupled with her music’s success on the show, helped her gain further recognition.
Breakthrough and Stardom
Yellowstone’s success brought Wilson into the spotlight, leading to the release of her 2019 EP Redneck Hollywood, which included the autobiographical single “LA.” Wilson also toured with Morgan Wallen, further boosting her profile. In 2020, Wilson made her Grand Ole Opry debut, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Her single “Things a Man Oughta Know” became a breakout hit, reaching No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart in 2021.
Her 2022 album, Bell Bottom Country, featured several hits, including “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like a Truck.” At the 2022 CMA Awards, Wilson was nominated in six categories, winning New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Entertainer of the Year and Grammy Success
In 2023, Wilson continued her meteoric rise with successful duets, a packed tour schedule, and numerous awards. She won four categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023, including Album of the Year for Bell Bottom Country and Female Artist of the Year. In September, she became the most-nominated artist for the CMA Awards, winning five awards, including Entertainer of the Year.
Wilson also received two Grammy nominations, winning Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country in February 2024. Her upcoming album, Whirlwind, is set for release in August, and she is embarking on her Country’s Cool Again Tour, while also being featured in a 2024 documentary, Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country, on Hulu.
Personal Life: Boyfriend and Fitness Journey
Lainey Wilson has been dating former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges for over two years. The couple met in Nashville and kept their relationship private until 2023. Hodges, who retired from football in 2022, now works in real estate and fully supports Wilson’s career.
Wilson has also undergone a significant fitness transformation, losing up to 70 pounds by changing her diet and exercise routines. Her commitment to health, combined with her music career, has made her an inspiration to fans worldwide.
Final Thoughts Lainey Wilson’s journey from a small town in Louisiana to the heights of country music stardom is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and dedication. With numerous awards and a growing fan base, Wilson is poised to continue her rise as one of country music’s brightest stars.
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