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…

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Lauren Jo Black

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September 7, 2022

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10:05 am

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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”).

Lainey Wilson; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Lainey Wilson; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

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.”

YouTube video

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.”

Lainey WIlson; Photo by Alysse Gafkjen
Lainey WIlson; Photo by Alysse Gafkjen

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.

Lainey Wilson - Bell Bottom Country
Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country

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.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.