Few artists are getting as many moments in the spotlight right now as Lainey Wilson, nor is anyone more grateful to see their hard work being acknowledged. The 32-year-old, who just notched her third consecutive win as the CMA Female Artist of the Year, admits that she is enjoying reaping the fruits of her labor, especially after so many years where her talent went largely unnoticed.
“I’m not going to lie, the recognition is great,” Wilson tells People. “It gives me that little extra notch in my belt and encouragement to keep on going and doing what I’m doing.”
Of Wilson’s recent accomplishments, of which there are many, at the top of the list is her invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry earlier this year. Wilson was invited to join by Reba McEntire, while Wilson was performing on the Season 25 finale of The Voice, and inducted in June by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
“When I got invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry this past year, that is better than any award I could ever get,” Wilson admits. “The Grand Ole Opry is a magical place. My parents took me there when I was nine years old. I remember where I was sitting and who I was watching, and feeling like so much of the history of country music has happened in that place and so many people have walked through that door that have paved the way for me.”
Photo Credit: Chris Hollo
Wilson might be the most popular female artist in country music right now, but that doesn’t mean taking the stage night after night is easy. The Louisiana native still feels anxious every time she is ready to perform, and hopes she always will.
“I get nervous before everything, whether I’m singing for 20 people, 200 [or] 40 million households tuned in for the Dallas Cowboys game,” Wilson says. “If I stop getting nervous, I got something to worry about.”
Wilson is part of a broader movement in country music that is — finally — seeing female artists have as much airplay and chart positions as their male counterparts.
“There is a shift happening, I will say,” Wilson says.” I hear more female artists being talked about. I still feel like we’re not completely there. But here’s the thing about the girls, when they break through — because it is so hard to break through — they can stand the test of time.”
“Country’s having its moment, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement … The ones that are breaking through right now, they’re going to be around for a long time,” she adds. “It’s good to see the girls coming through.”
Wilson’s star power will likely only increase heading into 2025. The singer-songwriter already said she plans on touring a lot next year, and has a few other projects in the works. But through it all, Wilson’s biggest goal, far above any career accomplishments or new accolades, is to remain true to who she is as a person.
“Making sure that I feel like Lainey: the sister, the friend, daughter, aunt and dog mom and all of those things,” Wilson says. “As long as I can do that, I can be the best version of the artist that I try to be.”
Wilson will perform as part of this year’s New Year’s Eve: Nashville’s Big Bash, along with Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Tyler Hubbard, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Shaboozey, with Jelly Roll, Kane Brown and Keith Urban headlining the five-hour event. Urban will also co-host, working alongside Entertainment Tonight‘s Rachel Smith.
Find all of Wilson’s music and upcoming shows at LaineyWilson.com.