Lainey Wilson is the top nominee at the 2024 CMA Awards, with four nods, close behind Morgan Wallen’s seven and Stapleton and Johnson’s five. Competing for Entertainer of the Year, Wilson faces Wallen, Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll on November 20.
Wilson could win her third Female Vocalist of the Year award after holding the title for two consecutive years. Her hit “Watermelon Moonshine” is nominated for Single of the Year at the annual CMA event. Both nominated tracks are from her acclaimed album Bell Bottom Country, celebrating her unique country style.
Quick Facts About Lainey Wilson
| Full Name | Lainey Wilson |
| Profession | Country Singer |
| Top 2024 CMA Nominations | Four |
| Competing for | Entertainer of the Year |
| Current Title | Reigning Entertainer of the Year |
| Songs | Wildflowers and Wild Horses, Watermelon Moonshine |
| Album with Nominations | Bell Bottom Country |
| Past Female Vocalist Wins | Two consecutive years |
| 2024 Award Date | November 20 |
Who is Lainey Wilson?
Lainey Wilson is a popular American country singer and songwriter. She is known for her unique voice and catchy songs that blend traditional and modern country styles. Lainey was born and raised in a small town in Louisiana. There, she developed a love for country music early on.
Her music often reflects themes of love, life, and personal growth. Lainey gained fame with hits like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck.” She has won several awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year, and is now a top nominee for the 2024 CMA Awards.
Early Life and Education
Lainey Wilson was born in Baskin, Louisiana, a small rural town that heavily influenced her country roots and love for music. She was inspired by classic country artists like Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, who shaped her musical style.
She began performing at a young age. Lainey writes her songs and plays at local events. Her family supported her passion and she learned guitar as a teenager. After high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. There she facing challenges but staying committed to her dream.
Early Career Struggling
When Lainey Wilson moved to Nashville to chase her dreams, she faced many challenges. She lived in a small trailer by herself for many years. Lainey works various jobs to support herself while focusing on music. She played at small bars, open mics, and any venue that would have her, often performing for little to no pay.
Despite rejections from labels and industry insiders. She stayed determined and used each experience to improve her songwriting and stage presence. These early struggles taught her resilience and shaped her unique style, which later helped her stand out in the country music scene.
Lainey Wilson’s Music and Role in Yellowstone
Lainey Wilson’s music is a blend of traditional country with a modern twist featuring honest lyrics and soulful melodies. Her songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck,” have become fan favorites for their relatable storytelling.
Her breakthrough album, Bell Bottom Country, highlights her unique style and Southern roots, gaining her critical acclaim and awards. In 2022, Lainey joined the cast of the hit TV series Yellowstone, where she plays a singer named Abby.
Rising Star and Path to Country Fame
Lainey Wilson performing on stage with a guitar, singing into a microphone.
She performing at the Waterfront Music & Arts Festival in November 2022
The success of Yellowstone brought Lainey Wilson into Nashville’s spotlight. In 2019, she released her EP Redneck Hollywood, featuring the personal single “LA,” a nod to her Louisiana roots. She also toured with rising country star Morgan Wallen expanding her fan base.
In February 2020, Wilson achieved a dream by debuting at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. That summer, her single “Things a Man Oughta Know” hit radio, becoming her breakthrough hit. By September 2021, it topped the Country Airplay chart, and Billboard named her the year’s top new country artist. Her 2021 album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, reached No. 40 on the charts.
With her 2022 album, Bell Bottom Country, Wilson’s career skyrocketed. The album included hit singles like “Watermelon Moonshine,” a Country Airplay No. 1, and “Heart Like a Truck,” which reached No. 2. At the 2022 Country Music Association Awards, Wilson won both New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, affirming her place in country music.
New Album and Country’s Cool Again Tour
After completing her first international headlining tour, Lainey Wilson is back on the road with her Country’s Cool Again Tour, featuring over 35 shows running through mid-December 2024. In August, midway through the tour, Wilson released her latest album, Whirlwind.
Its lead single, “Hang Tight Honey,” quickly gained traction, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart just before the album’s debut. Whirlwind launched at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart.
Wilson continues her awards success, securing four 2024 CMA nominations. She’s in the running to retain her Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year titles at the November ceremony.
Boyfriend
Boyfriend
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges smiling together at an awards show. Wilson is not married and has kept her personal life mostly private until recently. In May 2023, she attended the ACM Awards with former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges.
Her representatives confirmed their relationship, and during a later appearance on The Bobby Bones Show, Wilson revealed they had been together for more than two years.
The couple met in 2021 in Nashville through mutual friends. Wilson explained that she initially kept the relationship private to see if Hodges was “in it for the right reasons.” Hodges, 28, retired from football in 2022 and now works in real estate.
Wilson praised him saying “He knows what it’s like chasing a dream because he’s done that for himself. He supports me and would never come in between anything I’m trying to do. He’s like, ‘Go get it, girl.’”
Weight Loss Journey
Lainey Wilson has made significant changes to her health and fitness routines in recent years. In 2020, she announced her commitment to a “Year of Health,” focusing on improving her lifestyle.
She eliminated dairy, sugar, and processed foods from her diet and hired a personal trainer to help her reach her goals. Through these changes and a dedication to running and hiking, she reportedly lost up to 70 pounds.
In December 2022, Wilson went viral for a TikTok video featuring her performing in leopard pants that accentuated her figure. She humorously addressed the attention in an Instagram video, saying, “Whatever brings the people in, whatever brings the people in!
But I’m just letting y’all know, go check out my record, Bell Bottom Country. Happy to have ya either way. However you found me, I’m happy.”
FAQs
Who is Lainey Wilson’s husband?
Lainey Wilson is not married and is currently dating Devlin Hodges.
How old is Lainey Wilson?
Lainey Wilson was born on November 19, 1992, making her 31 years old.
What role does Lainey Wilson play in Yellowstone?
Lainey Wilson appears as a singer named Abby in Yellowstone.
What are some popular songs by Lainey Wilson?
Popular songs include “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck.”
How tall is Lainey Wilson?
Lainey Wilson is approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Where can I find pictures of Lainey Wilson?
You can find various pictures of Lainey Wilson online from events and performances.
What is Lainey Wilson’s latest album?
Lainey Wilson’s latest album is Whirlwind, featuring the hit single “Hang Tight Honey.”