If you didn't already know, Lainey Wilson has proven time and time again to be country music's next big thing. In fact, using the word "next" would probably be outdated—because she's already dominating the game! She was the big winner at this year's CMA Awards, taking home five trophies, including entertainer of the year! (Not to mention the four ACM Awards and two CMT Awards she won earlier this year.) However, diehard fans of the artist know Wilson as an actress, too! She's now part of the Yellowstone cast, and has quickly become a fan-favorite of the hit show.
While Wilson made her acting debut in the current (and final) season of Yellowstone, fans might recognize her voice from previous episodes. The Louisiana native has had more than one original song featured on the Yellowstone soundtrack, including "Small Town, Girl," which played during the season 3 finale. It's no wonder Yellowstone music supervisor Andrea Von Foerster thought Wilson's music matched the show's spirit. "I grew up in the rodeo world and my daddy was a horse trader alongside being a farmer," Wilson previously said in a press release. "My parents put me on a horse before I could walk. So when I sit down to watch this show, it reminds me so much of my childhood and the cowboy that raised me."
Between her guest role on Yellowstone and finally winning big at the CMA Awards, it seems like all of Wilson's country dreams are coming true! Read on to find out more about the popular singer.
What CMA Awards did Lainey Wilson take home?
Lainey Wilson was not only the most awarded-artist of the night, but she was also the one with the most nominations, too! She took home five awards, after being nominated for nine! Her biggest award of the night was for entertainer of the year, but she also won album of the year and female vocalist of the year. The other two awards were musical event of the year and music video of the year, which she shared with artist HARDY.
Wilson later posted a recap of the night on Instagram, alongside a heartfelt caption.
"The ride just keeps getting wilder," Wilson wrote. "Country music has wrapped its arms around me in ways I could’ve never imagined. This is the dream y’all. It all feels so divinely lead. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏻 🙌🏻❤️😭 #CMAawards"
Who is Lainey Wilson on Yellowstone season 5?
Lainey Wilson and her character on Yellowstone have a lot in common. First and foremost, they're both country singers. We're first introduced to the local musician, Abby (played by Wilson), in the season premiere. When John Dutton hosts his inaugural celebration as the new governor of Montana at the Yellowstone ranch. This is when Abby and Ryan, one of the bunkhouse boys, spark up a relationship.
Abby tells Beth that she'd never date a cowboy because she knows she would always be second to his lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, Beth doesn't feel the same but notes that she's probably a bit biased (due to her marriage to Rip). Beth offers a different view on the matter: she prefers someone with a life apart from her own so they have something to share. It's a fair point and may just be the reason why Abby changed her tune.
Despite this being Wilson's acting debut, her music, including songs like “Small Town, Girl” and “Smell Like Smoke,” have been regularly featured on the show.
How did Lainey Wilson join the cast of Yellowstone?
Believe it or not, the role of Abby was written into the show specifically for Wilson. According to an interview with the New York Post, the singer met Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan after one of her songs was featured on the show. "He invited me out to Vegas to play a horse-riding competition. And we really kind of bonded over horses."
The singer's personal history and musical style must have resonated with Sheridan. "In February, he called me and just said, 'I want to create a character specifically for you," Wilson explained on The Bobby Bones Show.
Sheridan has a history of including musicians in his hit Western drama—Ryan Bingham, who plays Walker, frequently plays his own original music in the series. Luke Grimes, one of the series' main stars, also has a separate country music career. At this point, the Yellowstone stars could release a whole album!
Micaela Bahn
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
