Lainey Wilson Reveals the Recognition That 'Takes the Cake' After HerWhirlwindYear of Success (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Lainey Wilson in September 2024.Photo:Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Getty Images for The Recording Academy

ForLainey Wilson, it’s the little things that keep her grounded.

“Making sure that I feel like Lainey: the sister, the friend, daughter, aunt and dog mom and all of those things,” the “Heart Like a Truck” singer tells PEOPLE.  “As long as I can do that, I can be the best version of the artist that I try to be.”

Her latest album released in August,Whirlwind, is aptly named. It reflects the country music artist’s riveting career over the last year.

“Country’s having its moment, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement,” Wilson, 32, says.

Lainey Wilson in February 2024.Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The star recently wrapped up herCountry’s Cool AgainTour with over 35 shows. Last month, shecohosted the 2024 CMA AwardswithLuke BryanandPeyton Manningdays before aThanksgiving NFL halftime performancefor a packed crowd in Dallas and millions of viewers at home.

“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.”

And her year isn’t over. On Dec. 14, herWildflowers and Wild HorsesTour will stop at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.T-Mobile, the show’s official wireless partner, is giving customers exclusive access to preferred tickets — even at sold-out shows. The company’sMagenta Statuscustomers get VIP access to artists and events, likeWilson’s Magenta Saloonpop-up this weekend.

For theBell Bottom Countrymusician, this upcoming performance will be a full-circle moment.

“We are bringing outMae EstesandTracy Lawrence, which is really cool to think that Tracy Lawrence is going to be on my show bill,” the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer says. “He took me out on the road with him about three years ago and I remember he stood side stage and watched every single one of my performances.”

Lainey Wilson in November 2024.Getty

Getty

Wilson’s meteoric rise from opener to headliner hasn’t been easy. For her, and many other women in the industry, it’s hard to climb the ranks.

“There is a shift happening, I will say. I hear more female artists being talked about. I still feel like we’re not completely there,” Wilson says. “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.”

In March, Wilson toldBillboardcountry girls have a lot to say — and she tells PEOPLE they are here to stay.

“The ones that are breaking through right now, they’re going to be around for a long time,” Wilson says. “It’s good to see the girls coming through.”

Wilson’s career does not come without its fair share of recognition. Earlier this year, she took home theGrammy for best country albumand earned another nod in the same category for the 2025 ceremony. She also won the 2024CMA Award for female vocalist of the year— on the very same night she hosted.

“I’m not going to lie, the recognition is great,” Wilson explains. “It gives me that little extra notch in my belt and encouragement to keep on going and doing what I’m doing.”

Lainey Wilson in February 2024.Billboard via Getty

Billboard via Getty

But there’s one recognition that “takes the cake,” according to Wilson.

“When I got invited to bea member of the Grand Ole Oprythis past year, that is better than any award I could ever get,” she says. “The Grand Ole Opry is a magical place. My parents took me there when I was nine years old.”

She adds: “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.”

“We’re going back to London and Germany and Scotland and all the great spots,” Wilson says.

Tickets for the Wildflowers and Wild HorsesTour stop in Las Vegas areon sale now.

source: people.com