Just after joining Audacy's Rob + Holly for the Friday Night Takeover, Country singer and songwriter Lainey Wilson would be taking the stage to share her music and story at the Grand Ol' Opry as the organization's "Next Stage" artist. Huge news obviously, and something Lainey says she's been dreaming of since she was a kid.
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Although this will be her third time on the Opry stage, the feeling of awe never recedes for the Louisiana-born songwriter. "It's just wild," Lainey says. "For the Opry to even know who I am is weird, and for me to be the featured artist of the month is even weirder!"
LISTEN: Lainey Wilson’s full interview with Rob + Holly
"Every time I play the Opry, I'm a nervous wreck," Wilson admits. "But as soon as I step foot out there, it goes away." There's no secret, or magic potion to calm herself down. "I get nervous every show; I honestly feel like if you don't get nervous a little bit, then what's the point of it? But definitely, I get the most nervous at the Opry."
After watching along on television her whole childhood, Lainey was given the opportunity to actually visit, and watch Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Phil Vassar, and Little Jimmy Dickens perform on the Opry stage. "I remember exactly where I was sitting... watching Crystal Gayle, and I remember feeling like, 'One day I'm gonna be up there... I'm gonna do it!' I don't know if I manifested it or what, but..."
Getting into a little "girl talk," Holly wondered if Lainey would be sporting her signature bell-bottoms on the Opry stage, and as you guessed, "Bell Bottom Country" would definitely be represented. Have no fear if you don't own a pair; you can still be a part of the movement which stems, she says, simply from her love of both the music and the flares that she cares for most.
As Lainey enjoys the success of her first single, she's also feelin' the love with the success of her first album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin,’ which she debuted in February, and is soaking up some hard-earned praise as one of Country music’s newest artists to watch. Most recently, Wilson released her single “Two Story House,” and performed at CMA Summer Jam -- all while she creeps closer to the number 1 spot on the Country charts with her debut single, “Things A Man Oughta Know.”
Currently, Wilson can be caught as a part of Jason Aldean’s Back In The Saddle Tour along with HARDY, with shows running through the end of October. "Jason was a big influence of mine," Lainey admits. "I always used to say, 'I wanna be the female version of Jason Aldean' -- and here I am on tour with him. It's wild!"
Listen to the full interview with Rob + Holly + Lainey above as she gives us details about her new single "Two Story House," some of her What Would Dolly Do moments, and more!
Kick-off the weekend with Rob + Holly on your favorite Audacy Country stations every Friday night at 7PM. Plus, be sure to get your votes in for Rob + Holly's daily Top 7 @ 7 Countdown!
Check out and favorite some of our all-new exclusive Country stations like Audacy New Country, Tailgate Crashers, Jake Owen's Tiki Tonk, Country Edge, and Katie Neal's Leading Ladies for more of the best from the female side of Country music.
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