Lainey Wilson’s rise to stardom in country music has been nothing short of meteoric, and her unexpected foray into acting on the hit TV series “Yellowstone” has only added to her growing fame. Despite having no prior acting experience, Wilson’s journey from a small-town girl with a dream to a multi-talented star is a testament to her talent and determination.
Wilson’s music first appeared on “Yellowstone” in season 2, long before she was cast in a recurring role in season 5. Her songs, with their country-rock flair and her distinctive Louisiana accent, quickly resonated with the show’s audience. This exposure undoubtedly helped boost her visibility, but it’s clear that Wilson’s natural talent and hard work were the real driving forces behind her success. With four No. 1 Mediabase radio singles and numerous awards from the CMA and ACM, Wilson’s music career was already on a strong upward trajectory.
When “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan approached Wilson with the idea of creating a character specifically for her, she was both surprised and excited. Sheridan wanted her to play a musician, essentially allowing her to be herself on screen. “I had never really done anything like that,” Wilson admits. “Of course, I impersonated Hannah Montana through middle school and high school, but I never was saying lines.” Despite her initial nerves, Wilson embraced the challenge, stepping out of her comfort zone and even handling onscreen kisses with ease. The support from the cast and crew made her transition into acting smoother than she had anticipated.
In season 5, “Yellowstone” featured songs from Wilson’s second full-length album, “Bell Bottom Country,” including the rising hit “Watermelon Moonshine.” One song, “Smell Like Smoke,” was written specifically for the series and is currently submitted for Emmy consideration. Wilson’s approach to writing for the show was to capture the essence of “Yellowstone” without being too on-the-nose. She wanted the song to reflect the show’s themes of heartache, cowboys, faith, and resilience, all of which align with her own musical style.
As of her interview with Variety, Wilson was unsure if her storyline on “Yellowstone” had concluded or if she might be asked to return. The uncertainty of the TV business, compounded by the writers’ strike and Kevin Costner’s potential exit, left her in a state of limbo. However, she remains open to the possibility of returning, ready to share more of her music with the show’s audience.
Wilson’s success on “Yellowstone” has opened new doors for her, but she remains committed to her music career. She aspires to follow in the footsteps of icons like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, who have successfully balanced careers in both music and acting. “Songwriting’s gonna be my number one,” Wilson says, “because that’s what’s given me the other opportunities.”
Reflecting on her journey, Wilson acknowledges the role that others have played in her success. “I feel like it always kind of starts with people seeing something in me before I see it in myself,” she says. This was certainly the case with Sheridan, who saw her potential as an actress and gave her the opportunity to shine on “Yellowstone.”
Wilson’s path to “Yellowstone” began when her song “Working Overtime” was featured in season 2. This was before she had a record deal, and the exposure helped her gain recognition. She later met Sheridan at a horse reining competition in Las Vegas, where they bonded over their shared love of horses. This connection eventually led to her casting on the show.
The songs chosen for “Yellowstone” often surprised Wilson, as they weren’t always the ones she would have expected. However, they always seemed to fit perfectly with the scenes they accompanied. This serendipitous alignment further solidified her connection to the show and its audience.
Wilson’s dive into acting was a significant step outside her comfort zone, but it was one she embraced wholeheartedly. Her first scene was with Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth on the show. Reilly’s encouragement helped boost Wilson’s confidence, making her feel like she belonged on set. “If you had not told me that this is your first time, then I would’ve never thought it was,” Reilly told her, a compliment that meant a lot to Wilson.
Wilson’s success in both music and acting is a testament to her versatility and determination. Her recent hits, “Heart Like a Truck” and “Get in the Truck,” reached No. 1 on the Mediabase country airplay chart within weeks of each other, a rare achievement for any artist. These songs, while not actually about trucks, showcase her ability to connect with listeners through relatable themes and powerful storytelling.
Her collaboration with Hardy on “Get in the Truck,” a song about domestic abuse, highlights her willingness to tackle difficult subjects. Although she doesn’t have personal experience with the issue, she felt a calling to be part of the song, recognizing its importance in raising awareness.
Lainey Wilson’s journey from singing in a convenience store in Baskin, Louisiana, to starring on “Yellowstone” and topping the country music charts is a story of perseverance and talent. Her ability to seamlessly transition from music to acting, all while staying true to herself, has endeared her to fans across the country. As she continues to break records and push boundaries, there’s no doubt that Wilson’s star will only continue to rise.
