Lainey Wilson Makes Historic CMA Awards Final Ballot Debut With Six Nominations: ‘I’m Speechless’
Lainey Wilson claimed a piece of country music history on Wednesday (Sept. 7) as she made a historic debut on…
Lainey Wilson; Photo by Nick Zimmer, CMA
Lainey Wilson claimed a piece of country music history on Wednesday (Sept. 7) as she made a historic debut on the CMA Awards’ final ballot with six nominations as a first-time nominee.
The fast-rising country star leads the pack of nominees with nominations in the following categories: Album of the Year (Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’), Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year (“Never Say Never”), Musical Event of the Year (“Never Say Never”), New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“Things A Man Oughta Know”).
The “Watermelon Moonshine” singer is now the fourth artist in CMA Awards history to earn six nominations with their debut on the ballot. Other artists to achieve this milestone included Kacey Musgraves (2013), Brad Paisley (2000), and Glen Campbell (1968).
Upon hearing the exciting news, Wilson took to social media to graciously thank the Country music community for their votes.
“6 NOMINATIONS!?!? I’m speechless,” Wilson wrote. ”While I try to find the words just know that I’m blown away and so so honored and proud to be nominated. Thank you to the entire country music community!”
56th Annual CMA Awards winners will be revealed on November 9 during a three-hour ABC broadcast, which begins at 8 P.M. EST.
The news comes after the release of Wilson’s collaboration with HARDY, “Wait In The Truck,” which was an instant hit upon its debut. It also became the most-added song at country radio with 57 first-week stations when it went for adds on Monday, August 29.
Wilson is also gearing up to release her highly anticipated new album, Bell Bottom Country. The 14-track project will include her latest single “Heart Like A Truck” and the just-released tune, “Watermelon Moonshine.”
Her sophomore album will also feature a tribute to her “Deddy” and a cover of 4 Non Blondes classic hit “What’s Up (What’s Going On).” Wilson co-wrote every song on the album with the exception of the 4 Non Blondes cover.
“I’ve lived quite a bit of life the past few years, and I have a lot more to say,” Wilson shared of the new album. “Sure, I love a good pair of bell bottoms, but Bell Bottom Country to me has always been about the flare and what makes someone unique — I have really embraced mine, and I hope y’all can hear that across this project.”
Bell Bottom Country is derived from the moniker folks use to describe Wilson’s unique sound, style and aesthetic — it’s Country, but with a flare.
Bell Bottom Country will allow Wilson’s authenticity to vibrantly shine through the vulnerable and empowering lyrics. The album, which will blend the elements of ‘70s Rock, Funk and Soul while remaining true to her Country roots, will also display her growth as an artist and songwriter.
Bell Bottom Country Track List
1. “Hillbilly Hippie” (Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box, Jeremy Bussey)
2. “Road Runner” (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
3. “Watermelon Moonshine” (Lainey Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Kear)
4. “Grease” (Lainey Wilson, Jessi Alexander, Andrew Petroff)
5. “Weak-End” (Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Faren Rachels)
6. “Me, You, and Jesus” (Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, Dallas Wilson)
7. “Hold My Halo” (Lainey Wilson, Derek George, Monty Criswell, Lynn Hutton)
8. “Heart Like A Truck” (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
9. “Atta Girl” (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Brett Tyler)
10. This One’s Gonna Cost Me” (Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Faren Rachels)
11. “Those Boots (Deddy’s Song)” (Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box, Trent Tomlinson)
12. “Live Off” (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Adam Doleac)
13. “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
14. “What’s Up (What’s Going On)” (Linda Perry)
Additionally, Wilson will soon join the cast of Paramount’s Yellowstone for its fifth season. The Louisiana native will take on the role of Abby, a character co-creator Taylor Sheridan crafted specifically for the “Things A Man Oughta Know” singer. On the show, Wilson will perform new original music, written and recorded by the hitmaker herself.
Wilson is currently serving as direct support on Jon Pardi’s Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour alongside Hailey Whitters and will soon hit the road to perform on select dates of Luke Combs’ Middle Of Somewhere Tour this fall.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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