How 'Yellowstone' Launched Lainey Wilson's Music Career into the Spotlight
Discover how Lainey Wilson's rise to mainstream music stardom was accelerated by her appearance on the hit show 'Yellowstone'. Dive into her journey in the new documentary where she reveals the impact of this pivotal moment on her career trajectory.
Lainey Wilson shared how her music career was boosted by her appearance on Yellowstone in a new special from ABC News Studios.
In the special titled Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country, the 32-year-old country star expressed how being on Yellowstone helped her gain recognition. Despite having no acting experience, Wilson felt honored when Taylor Sheridan invited her to be a part of the show. This opportunity not only boosted her self-esteem but also made her realize her potential in a new light.
Wilson made her appearance as Abby in the first half of season 5, which was shown in late 2022. In the Paramount Network drama, Abby is portrayed as a country singer and serves as a love interest for ranch hand Ryan, played by Ian Bohen.
Bohen, who is 47 years old, shared in Bell Bottom Country that Wilson's character is a version of herself, not her previous character Lainey. Despite feeling nervous stepping into this new role, Wilson's natural talent immediately shone through, impressing everyone on set.
Lainey Wilson Details How Yellowstone Catapulted Her Music to the Mainstream 2
Lainey Wilson Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Wilson had already released four albums before making her acting debut on Yellowstone. The popular series helped her reach a larger audience. A year later, she made history by becoming the first woman to win Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards since Taylor Swift in 2011.
Bohen shared how Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, selected Wilson for the show. Sheridan, aged 54, was drawn to Wilson's music, which was not super mainstream. Her songs and presentation resonated with the themes of the show - for the rancher, the farmer, and family people struggling to survive. It was a natural fit to bring them together.
Wilson may be selling out arenas now, but she revealed that her stage fright still lingers. She admitted, "I get extremely nervous before every show, whether it's 20 people, 20,000, or 80,000. Putting yourself out there is terrifying. You have to be prepared for all kinds of opinions. Not everyone will love you."
In late 2022, the Grammy winner found herself facing a challenging situation. While scrolling through TikTok, she came across videos of herself performing that were gaining attention for the wrong reasons. "I saw a few videos of my butt that had gone viral," she shared. The attention continued to grow week after week, turning into a big moment that she couldn't ignore.
Wilson responded to the haters by laughing off their negativity and embracing them as part of her fanbase, regardless of how they came across her music.
In an interview with Robin Roberts on ABC, Wilson shared how she drew inspiration from the likes of Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire in handling criticism. She emphasized the importance of not letting it affect her and choosing to move forward with a positive attitude. While acknowledging that it has been a challenging experience, Wilson made it clear that her worth as an artist is not defined by her appearance. She encouraged those who may have an issue with her to simply change the channel if they cannot appreciate her music.
Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country is available to stream on Hulu now.
Editor's P/S:
Lainey Wilson's journey highlights the transformative power of stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Despite her lack of acting experience, she embraced the opportunity to join Yellowstone and showcase her natural talent. This pivotal role not only boosted her recognition but also revealed her hidden potential, leading her to become the first woman to win CMA Entertainer of the Year in over a decade. Wilson's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, demonstrating that with determination and a willingness to embrace new challenges, dreams can be realized.
Wilson's candid reflections on stage fright and dealing with online criticism resonate with many in the public eye. Her resilience and positive attitude serve as a reminder to focus on one's own worth and the support of those who appreciate their work. By embracing the negativity and choosing to move forward with a positive mindset, Wilson demonstrates the strength and self-belief necessary to succeed in the entertainment industry and beyond.
