Lainey Wilson Opens Up About Her Journey to Fame and Embracing Body Positivity in Bell-Bottom Country

Lainey Wilson, hailing from the small town of Baskin, LA, developed a love for storytelling and country music at a young age. Growing up in a community of just 200 people, country music was a way of life for Wilson. Singing country songs with her dad in the back of a truck or on a tractor and listening to family stories around the kitchen table were commonplace. By the age of nine, Wilson had written her first song. At 11 years old, her father showed her a few chords on the guitar, and from there, she fell in love with the art of music. “I think that’s where my love for storytelling began, around that kitchen table with my family in Baskin,” says Wilson.

Despite facing challenges in her journey to become a country singer, which included 12 years of living in Nashville without a Plan B and being the subject of many body-related conversations, Wilson never lost sight of her passion for music. “Even though it has taken me a lot longer than some folks…it’s kind of been my only option,” she says. “I always knew I would find my way in this town, whatever that looked like.” Wilson’s perseverance paid off, and she is now topping almost every country music chart, winning multiple coveted awards, and even scoring a role on the hit show Yellowstone.

Wilson credits her parents for teaching her the value of hard work, a trait that has undoubtedly contributed to her success. As well as this, Wilson’s unique way of speaking, which is reflective of her Southern roots, makes her stand out. Of course, her work with producer Jay Joyce has also played a vital role in shaping her sound, which she describes as “Bell Bottom Country.”

When it comes to her musical inspirations, Dolly Parton ranks high on the list. Wilson admires everything about Parton, from her style to her sense of humor. Eric Church, another country artist, is also on Wilson’s collaboration wish list. She admires his unique approach to music, going “against the grain” and doing things his way. Beyond country music, Wilson hopes to one day collaborate with Miley Cyrus. As a fan who impersonated Hannah Montana throughout middle school and high school, Wilson and Cyrus teaming up would “make a whole lot of sense.”

Wilson’s body has been a topic of conversation for many, with some people choosing to focus on her “big ol’ butt” instead of her talent. Rather than letting these comments bring her down, Wilson has used her platform to promote body positivity and encourage women to embrace their curves. The experiences she’s had with body image struggles have given her a unique perspective to share with others who may be going through similar struggles. Wilson believes that it’s important to put on your bell bottoms, be confident, and let people talk, as they will always have something to say. It’s difficult to navigate negative comments, but Wilson continues to inspire and motivate others with her music and her positive message.

Staying healthy and feeling good is a top priority for me, especially when I’m touring. With five shows a week, each lasting an hour and a half, my performances are like running a marathon. But, it’s all worth it when I see the impact my music has on my fans. Alongside drinking tons of water, I try to nourish my body with healthy foods. When I feel good, I look good, and that confidence is so important to me. Learning not to let the opinions of others impact me has been a game-changer. 

When Yellowstone reached out for music for season two, they chose my song, ‘Workin’ Overtime,’ and it made a real difference to my career. I even had the chance to meet the show’s writer and producer, Taylor Sheridan, which eventually led to an incredible acting opportunity. Sheridan approached me with the idea of creating a character that looked like me and sang my own songs. It was my first introduction to acting and he believed in me, and I’m so grateful for that chance.

Acting has been such a cool experience for me and I’ve learned that I love being creative and stepping outside my comfort zone, even if it’s a little scary. There are a lot of similarities between performing on a set and touring on the road. The whole cast and crew of Yellowstone are really great people, and I’ve made some lifelong friends. I was truly blown away by how sweet and uplifting Kelly Reilly was. She encouraged me and even made me bath salts! My love interest on the show, Ryan, is also a fan of my music and has become a close friend.

Even though I’ve loved exploring acting, songwriting will always be my number one priority. Make-up wise, I’ve tried many products, but I find Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation ($48) perfect for on-stage performances, as it doesn’t move and stays even in sweat. I also love the MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($58) with multiple shades that are perfect for my brown-green eyes. Lastly, the Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara ($30) gives me a natural boost and saves me from wearing fake eyelashes.

ZO Skin Health Daily Skincare Program ($140): “Adult acne is crazy. You would have thought it would have worn off in high school, but heck no. Obagi has really helped me a lot with that. I have their Daily Skincare Program—it’s a cleanser, an exfoliator, a toner and then a Daily Power Defense brightener—and I do that morning and night.” 

“I’m really just kind of getting to a point where I’m even able to slo down. Because it has been hard; it’s been a crazy schedule. But for me, it’s about taking care of my heart and my mind, whether it’s turning on an encouraging podcast or doing some meditations. That way I can get into the mindset where I can actually pray. Because this life is so crazy that sometimes you just get caught up in a whirlwind where you have a hard time even putting your feet on the ground. And that’s another thing for me: Just going outside and putting my feet in the grass, anything like that to keep me grounded and centered. While everything’s kind of spinning around, it’s important for me to remember where I started and remember how far I’ve come.

It’s important for me to remember where I started and remember how far I’ve come.

“We just started the Luke Combs stadium tour, so that’s been wild. I’ve known Luke since 2014. He used to come over to my camper trailer where I lived and we’d write music together. It’s so cool, it’s such a full-circle moment every single time I’m out there with him. It’s just crazy how far he has come. Who he is now is exactly who he was then.

I’m writing more music; I’m always writing for the next record. When I get ready to release that next record, I want to have a lot to choose from, so I gotta get down with it. And then I’m going to be doing a tour with my buddy Hardy. So lots of exciting things in the works.”