For Lainey Wilson, staying grounded is the key to maintaining her success. Amidst the whirlwind of her rising career, the country star remains focused on the people who matter most to her.
“It’s all about making sure I still feel like Lainey – the daughter, sister, friend, aunt, and dog mom,” she tells PEOPLE. “As long as I stay true to those roles, I can show up as the best version of myself as an artist.”
This philosophy rings through in her latest album Whirlwind, which captures her exhilarating journey over the past year. At 32, Wilson is at the peak of her career, as the country music scene enjoys a massive surge in popularity, and she is proud to be right in the middle of it. “Country music is having its moment, and I’m honored to be part of the movement,” she shares.
Lainey Wilson has been everywhere lately – from sold-out tours to hosting the 2024 CMA Awards alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. Her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world, whether she’s singing in front of 20 fans or millions watching from home. “I get nervous before everything,” she confesses. “It’s a good thing. If I ever stop getting nervous, then I know something’s wrong.”
This year, Wilson capped off her Country’s Cool Again Tour, with more than 35 shows, and her 2024 Thanksgiving NFL halftime performance at the Dallas Cowboys game further solidified her position as one of country music’s top stars. “The nerves never go away,” she says with a smile. “I still get butterflies before performing for millions at a stadium or for 200 people at a small venue.”
But her success doesn’t stop there. On December 14, she’s set to perform at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as part of her Wildflowers and Wild Horses Tour. Fans attending this show can enjoy exclusive access through T-Mobile’s Magenta Status program, which offers VIP experiences and special events like Wilson’s pop-up “Magenta Saloon” this weekend.
For Wilson, this upcoming Las Vegas show represents a significant full-circle moment. “It’s so cool that Tracy Lawrence, who took me on the road three years ago, will be on the bill with me,” she says. “I remember him standing side-stage watching me perform, and now we’re sharing the stage.”
Though Wilson’s ascent to stardom has been marked by hard work and perseverance, especially for women in the music industry, she’s excited about the changes happening in country music. “There’s a shift happening,” she says. “We’re hearing more about female artists. But it’s tough. When the girls break through, though, they’re in it for the long haul.”
In March, Wilson told Billboard that country girls have something to say. “The women who are breaking through now are going to be around for a long time,” she asserts. “I love seeing more women coming through in country music.”
Wilson’s success has been recognized time and again. This year alone, she won the Grammy for Best Country Album and is nominated again for the same category in the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards. Additionally, she earned the 2024 CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, which she received on the very same night she co-hosted the event.
While these accolades are special, there’s one recognition that Wilson holds above all else. “Getting invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry this year was the highlight of my career,” she shares. “No award can compare to that.” She recalls attending the Grand Ole Opry when she was just nine years old, sitting in awe of the country music legends performing. “To now be part of that legacy, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Wilson has even more in store. Her European tour kicks off on March 4 in Zurich, with stops in London, Germany, and Scotland, further expanding her global reach. “I can’t wait to bring this music overseas,” she says, excited for the new chapter in her career.
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