Lainey Wilson, the singer-turned-T.V. star, is taking the 2023 Country Music Awards by storm with an unprecedented nine nominations. The Louisiana native, who first made waves in Nashville and found fame on Yellowstone, is a force to be reckoned with this season.
In addition to the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, Wilson is up for a slew of other awards, including Album of the Year for Bell Bottom Country and Song of the Year for “Heart Like a Truck.” She made further waves by snagging two nominations for Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year, achieving a feat last matched 13 years ago.
Notably, Wilson is the third female artist in history to dominate the nominations, following the footsteps of legends Merle Haggard and Miranda Lambert. Equally impressive is her status as the first artist in 13 years to land two Single of the Year nominations in the same year.
This isn’t Wilson’s first rodeo when it comes to award ceremonies, as she stormed the 2022 CMAs with six nominations, ultimately securing victories in the Best New Artist and Female Vocalist of the Year categories.
With Billboard and Country Universe betting on Wilson to sweep categories like Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, the buzz around her sculptures a notable narrative in the world of country music.
Despite her recent prominence, Wilson’s journey to stardom began with a move to Nashville in 2011 after releasing a self-titled album and two EPs. Her breakout came with the release of her second studio album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, in 2021, which truly solidified her status as a fierce artist in the world of country music.
Drawing on her talent and charisma, Wilson’s role in Yellowstone, the creation of Taylor Sheridan, further propelled her visibility and success in the industry. This spotlight, along with her music, garnered the attention of country radio programmers and led to the chart-topping hit, “Things a Man Oughta Know.”
Even an unintentional viral moment on TikTok featuring her performance in leopard pants couldn’t diminish Wilson’s rise to fame. Instead, it showcased her resilience and sense of humor, leading to an influx of new fans discovering her music.
As her star continues to rise, Wilson is set to embark on a tour in Europe and Australia throughout 2024, further reinforcing her place as a global sensation. With presale tickets for Lainey Wilson: LIVE available in November, fans have even more reason to look forward to her showcase.
The 2023 CMA Awards, airing in November, promise to be a highlight of Wilson’s ongoing success – a journey that truly encompasses the spirit of a modern country music sensation. The anticipation for this year’s awards is palpable, as Wilson stands at the cusp of celebrating her past achievements and forging new triumphs.
