Lainey Wilson is making waves as one of the leading figures in country music today, gaining accolades and recognition for her talent and advocacy for female representation. During the recent 2024 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held on May 16, Wilson not only took home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award but also contributed to the night’s emotional atmosphere as she shared the stage with fellow artist Jelly Roll.
Reflecting on her career during interviews leading up to key events, Wilson stated, "Country’s having its moment, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement." At 32 years old, she’s passionately advocating for more women to be heard within the country music genre, and she showcased this commitment by featuring up-and-coming artist Mae Estes as her opening act at her upcoming concert at MGM Grand.
Wilson and Jelly Roll won the Music Event of the Year award at the ACMs for their collaboration on the song Save Me. Jelly Roll shared his emotions after the win, saying, "I never thought I’d be standing here," which highlighted the deep connection and gratitude he feels toward the song and its impact.
The 2024 ACM Awards, presented by host Reba McEntire, also saw performances from various artists, with Wilson leading the charge after her successful year, including notable collaborations like the one with Jelly Roll. She concluded the night emotionally, demonstrating her own satisfaction with her progress and the strides female artists are making within the country music world.
Earlier this year, she delivered one of the standout performances during the Dallas Cowboys' halftime show on Thanksgiving Day. Dressed to impress with her signature sparkly attire, she brought her hits to life, including 4x4xU and Heart Like a Truck, before collaborating with Jelly Roll again for their hit duet. Lainey’s captivating stage presence earned her praise on social media, prompting fans and fellow artists to call her “the new Queen of Country Music.” Kelly Clarkson exclaimed on her Instagram, "Hell yes @laineywilson you are a badass!"
Lainey Wilson’s recent album, Whirlwind, released earlier this year, encapsulates her tumultuous yet thrilling rise to fame. The album reflects her personal experiences and the whirlwind of achievements she’s experienced, following her successful tour titled Country’s Cool Again, which boasted over 35 performances across the country.
Looking forward, December 14 marks Wilson’s highly anticipated concert at MGM Grand, where she’ll be showcasing her artistry alongside Mae Estes and country legend Tracy Lawrence. Lainey cherishes this full-circle experience of sharing the stage with artists she admires, reinforcing her commitment to fostering camaraderie among women artists.
Wilson's accomplishments don't stop there; she has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Album and the 2024 CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, emphasizing her prominence and contribution to the music industry. Within her acceptance speeches and public appearances, she encourages fellow female artists, passionate about increasing their representation and visibility.
Looking to the future, Wilson has exciting plans on the horizon. Following her Las Vegas concert, she will be launching her European tour on March 4, 2025, which promises to broaden her musical influence globally. She aims to reach audiences across the pond, building on her current success and continuing to inspire and empower women through her music.
Lainey Wilson is not just re-defining the narrative for women within country music; she’s also actively managing her personal life with grace, fulfilled as a sister, friend, and dog mom. Having successfully balanced her commitments, Wilson is now poised to ride the waves of her career even higher as she continues to advocate for more female voices and representation.
With each performance and public discourse, Lainey Wilson is leaving indelible marks on the music industry, heralding shifts toward more inclusive representations. Indeed, she proves to be both an exceptional talent and a powerful advocate, raising the bar for what’s possible for future generations of female artists.
For more information on Lainey Wilson and her upcoming events, fans are encouraged to visit her official website.
