Lainey Wilson

🎤 Lainey Wilson: The Bell Bottom Country Queen

🧔 Full Name and Early Life

Lainey Denay Wilson, born on May 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, is an American country singer-songwriter known for her distinctive blend of traditional and modern country music. Raised in a small town with a population of around 250, Wilson was immersed in country music from a young age, influenced by artists like Buck Owens and Glen Campbell. Her father, Brian, a farmer, taught her a few guitar chords, sparking her passion for songwriting in her preteen years. By high school, she was performing as a Hannah Montana impersonator at local events, showcasing her early dedication to entertainment. 

🎶 Musical Beginnings

In 2011, at the age of 19, Wilson moved to Nashville to pursue her music career. Facing initial challenges, she lived in a camper trailer outside a recording studio, performing small gigs and honing her songwriting skills. Her perseverance led to the release of her self-titled debut album in 2014, followed by "Tougher" in 2016. These independent projects laid the foundation for her unique musical style, which she describes as "bell-bottom country," blending traditional country with southern rock and modern influences. 

📀 Career Milestones

Wilson's breakthrough came with her 2020 single "Things a Man Oughta Know," which reached number one on the American country songs chart. Her subsequent albums, "Sayin' What I'm Thinkin'" (2021) and "Bell Bottom Country" (2022), solidified her place in the country music scene. In 2024, she released "Whirlwind," which debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. 

🏆 Recognitions and Impact

Wilson's talent has been recognized with numerous awards. She has received seven Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 2023, and six Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2025, she won Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year at the ACM Awards, along with Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for "Whirlwind," and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. 

🎤 Tours and Performances

Wilson has headlined several tours, including the "Country with a Flair Tour" (2023), "Country's Cool Again Tour" (2024), and the "Whirlwind World Tour" (2025), which spans Europe and North America. She has also supported major artists like Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and Luke Combs on their tours. 

🎬 Acting and Media Appearances

Expanding her artistic reach, Wilson made her acting debut in 2022 on the television series "Yellowstone," portraying the character Abby. Her role on the show introduced her music to a broader audience and showcased her versatility as an entertainer. 

💍 Personal Life

Wilson is engaged to former NFL quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges. The couple made their relationship public at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, and Hodges has been a supportive presence in Wilson's life and career. 

Lainey Wilson's journey from a small-town girl in Louisiana to a Grammy-winning country music star is a testament to her talent, determination, and authenticity. Her unique "bell-bottom country" style and heartfelt storytelling continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary country music.