Lainey Wilson: The Rising Star Of Country Music And Her Journey To Fame

Lainey Wilson has had quite the run over the last year. As the reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, she’s dominated charts and awards shows. Her unique blend of talent and charisma has made her a household name, and fans are excited to see what she will achieve next. What else could she possibly get nominated for?

On Wednesday (Aug. 14), the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards nominees were revealed, on the same morning Wilson was due to stop by the Taste of Country Nights studio. So, Evan Paul got to tell Wilson that she’s up for yet another Artist of the Year prize. This recognition adds to her impressive accolades and highlights her growing influence in the music industry.

As soon as the “Hang Tight Honey” artist sat down in her chair, we asked if she’d heard the news yet. She’s up against Beyoncé, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and more in the category of People’s Artist of 2024. This lineup showcases not only Wilson's talent but also her ability to stand toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in music.

“When did that come out?” she asked with genuine surprise. It was hot off the press, we told her, to which she reacted: “Oh shoot, wow!” This excitement perfectly encapsulates Wilson's humble nature and her passion for her craft.

When we told her that she’s up against Beyoncé, we asked what she’d say to the crossover star. But being the humble person she is, Wilson didn’t dare assume we meant she’d win over Beyoncé — she was more into the idea of meeting her, period. This reflects her down-to-earth personality and admiration for fellow artists.

But if she does win over Bey? “If I beat her? Oh my gosh, well, there’s a lot of Beyoncé fans, so I’m not banking on winning,” she says with a laugh. The People's Choice Country Awards are a fan-voted show, of course. The light-hearted nature of her response shows her understanding of the competitive landscape of the music industry.

“I tell ya what — she’s had a year, she’s had a year. So I’d be like, ‘Hey?’” Wilson says of what she’d say if Beyoncé wins. Evan Paul interjected that Wilson has had a huge year of her own, and that winning this award shouldn’t be such a pipe dream; it may very well become a reality.

Head here to vote for the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards.

Watch Lainey Wilson’s reaction in realtime:

Evan Paul is the host of Taste of Country Nights, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 130 country radio stations nationwide, every night from 7 PM to midnight. He plays the best new country music and interviews today’s top stars, like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, and more!