Lainey Wilson, a rising star in the country music scene, has recently captivated audiences during the C2C: Country to Country music festival in the UK, marking a significant moment in her already stellar career. With her unique fashion sense and engaging performances, Wilson not only showcased her musical talent but also highlighted the increasing popularity of country music in a market that has typically been marked as an outsider’s domain.
Wilson was seen step out at multiple events, donning an oversized fringe jacket paired with a trucker hat in Manchester, England, establishing her own creative fusion of country attire. She managed to blend traditional western aesthetics with a more urban twist, illustrating a bold step in her style evolution. On her stroll through the city, Wilson opted for olive green sweats gathered at the bottom, bright white sneakers, and an olive-and-black snakeskin fanny pack, accompanied by an olive trucker hat. Although not her usual patterned flares and cowboy boots, this look may signal an exciting era in Wilson’s fashion journey.
In a conversation with Glamour last year, Wilson expressed, “You can’t just be a decent singer-songwriter. You’ve got to do something that makes you stand out and stand apart. And for me, I was thinking, What could I do that is still true to me, but is stepping outside the box a little bit? I decided, All right, if I’m going down to Music Grove... I’m wearing my bell-bottoms because I’m going to get noticed.” This statement speaks volumes about her commitment to her artistic identity and evolving style.
During the C2C festival held from March 14 to March 16, 2025, Wilson headlined along with other country legends, playing to crowds that have now made country music almost mainstream in the UK. The festival, which has grown into a three-day extravaganza, saw nearly 90,000 tickets sold, reflecting the booming interest in the genre. Major performances were held at the famous O2 Arena, with Wilson taking the stage as a central figure in this cultural shift.
Wilson's rapid rise to fame has been closely tied to her appearances on the popular television drama Yellowstone, launched her music career to new heights. She is now recognized not only for her musical talent but also for her engaging personality and authentic connection with fans. With 3.1 million followers on Instagram, her influence has expanded to various platforms, significantly shaping her branding and outreach. This popularity was further solidified when she was awarded the Best Country Album Grammy for her work on Bell Bottom Country and named the Entertainer of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards.
After the festival, Wilson is set to perform in Kingston upon Thames on March 18 and in Paris on March 19, 2025, enabling her to continue connecting with her growing fanbase. Notably, Wilson recently announced her engagement to Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges, a former NFL player turned real estate agent. The announcement, shared on her social media, was met with enthusiastic responses from fans, further demonstrating her ability to draw attention both in her professional and personal life.
This year’s C2C festival also marked a poignant moment in memory of Chris York, the festival's founder who passed away in 2024. His vision for fostering a country music community in the UK was pivotal. The festival has evolved into a significant cultural event, showcasing the genre’s versatility and reaching a vibrant audience that extends beyond just die-hard country fans. The O2 Arena hosted numerous artists, with Wilson remarking on the festival’s impact and the connection between country music and British fans.
In a statement to The Times, Wilson reflected, “At the end of the day, country music makes you feel at home, at least it does for me. And that’s why I write country music, because I want to make people feel at home, and it tells a story…” This sentiment resonates as country music increasingly finds a welcoming audience in the UK, where listeners drawn to storytelling and authenticity connect deeply with the songs.
The growing interest in country music is evident throughout London, as venues dedicated to the genre pop up across the capital, creating hubs for fans to gather and celebrate. Each venue offers a unique experience reminiscent of Nashville, complemented by authentic Southern cuisine and energetic performances. Usually unheralded, these establishments punctuate the local culture, with Lil’ Nashville and the Duke's Head becoming favorite spots for those seeking the genuine country music experience in the city.
Helen Wood, the entrepreneur behind Lil’ Nashville, outlined the changing perceptions of country music in the UK, stating, “The popularity has grown so much, and it’s all part of the evolution of digital music.” With the support of platforms like Spotify, which introduces listeners to a wider range of country artists, the genre’s reach continues to broaden.
Today, as audiences in the UK seek genuine connections through music, Lainey Wilson stands at the forefront of this evolving landscape. Her blend of striking musical storytelling and unique fashion choices contributes to a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with fans. As she prepares for her next performances in Kingston and Paris, there’s no telling how far her star will rise in the world of country music.
