At just 8 years old, Lainey Wilson declared her dream of becoming a country music star. Hailing from a small Northern Louisiana town with a population of only 180, her family had been farmers for five generations. Despite having no musical background in her family, Lainey was determined to chart her own path.
After finishing high school, Lainey made the bold move to Nashville, living in a camper trailer for three years. During that time, she penned over 300 songs, but it wasn’t until eight years into her journey that she signed her first record deal. Her breakthrough came in 2021 when her debut single, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” climbed the country charts. Several radio hits followed, and last year she swept awards season, claiming accolades like “Best Country Album” at the Grammys and “Entertainer of the Year” at the Country Music Awards.
This August, Lainey reached new heights with her first crossover hit. Her latest album, “Whirlwind”, debuted at number three on the Billboard charts, marking the highest-selling album of her career.
In a conversation with Leah Rose, Lainey talks about how her perseverance became a key factor in her success. She also opens up about facing objectification online and reflects on the surreal experience of sharing the stage with legends like The Rolling Stones and Dolly Parton.