Lainey Wilson’s ‘Smell Like Smoke’ From ‘Yellowstone’ Is Eligible For An Emmy

Wilson debuted the song during the 5th Season of “Yellowstone.”

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Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

April 19, 2023

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Lainey Wilson; Photo: Chad Wadsworth/CBS

Lainey Wilson’s “Smell Like Smoke,” which debuted on Yellowstone, could be eligible for an Emmy Award. 

The country superstar’s song will be submitted for an Emmy nomination in the category, Outstanding Music and Lyrics for her song, “Smell Like Smoke,” which appeared in Paramount Network’s Yellowstone.

The current ACM Female Artist Of The Year nominee made her acting debut during the 5th season of Yellowstone, where she starred as a musician named Abby, a character that was created with her style, personality and mannerisms in mind.

The Song Debuted On The Hit Show

Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Yellowstone/ Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Yellowstone/ Lainey Wilson

“It’s pretty much me. And it’s cool, I’m getting to sing my own songs, I’m getting to wear my get-up, I just go by the name Abby, so it’s awesome. It really is,” Wilson previously explained.

Throughout Wilson’s time on Yellowstone, she performed several original tunes while acting as Abby, including “Smell Like Smoke,” which was featured in the season premiere of the hit series.

The Louisiana native recently sat down with Variety to chat about “Smell Like Smoke.” Wilson explained to the outlet that the song “centers around four pillars that make ‘Yellowstone’ what it is — cowboys, heartbreak, self-assurance and faith.”

The tune allows Wilson’s fierce and bold spirit to shine as she sings about her hard-hitting resilience as she goes through hell and back with a no-nonsense attitude. 

Lainey Wilson; Photo by Jamie Schramm\CMA
Lainey Wilson; Photo by Jamie Schramm, CMA

Co-written by Wilson alongside Monty Criswell, Derek George and Lynn Hutton, “Smell Like Smoke” also finds the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year staying true to her roots and remaining proud of who she is and where she’s from. 

“Derek came up with the signature guitar lick at the beginning of the song and tracked the original demo, while Monty and I fiddled around with lyrics and Lynn steered the melodies,” Wilson recalled.

Wilson then explained that the song “was a little rough around the edges, but with good energy, which we thought was perfect for ‘Yellowstone.’”

She admitted that she thought a song about “owning tough times in a proud, matter-of-fact, light-hearted way” perfectly fit the experiences of Beth and Monica Dutton on the show and later added that the song “would tie in well with the way the show makes the down-and-dirty look sexy and fun.”

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The tune appears on Lainey Wilson’s sophomore album, Bell Bottom Country, which arrived on October 28, 2022, via BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records. The project features 14 tracks, including her chart-topping single “Heart Like A Truck,” as well as the fan-favorite hits “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Atta Girl,” “Hold My Halo,” a cover of 4 Non Blondes classic hit “What’s Up (What’s Going On)” and more.

“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.”

On Tour

Wilson is serving as support for Luke Combs on his 2023 world tour, which kicked off on March 25 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The massive stadium trek, featuring support from Riley Green, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb, wraps up on July 29 in Philadelphia, PA at Lincoln Financial Field.

For a full list of Lainey Wilson’s upcoming tour dates, visit her official website HERE.

Additionally, Lainey Wilson is currently the most-nominated female artist at the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards with six nods, including Female Artist of the Year.

“I am so honored to be nominated among some of the best in the business. A few years ago, I wouldn’t even have been able to dream of a day like this,” Wilson shared in a press release. “Thank you to the Academy of Country Music for believing in me and my work, this is an absolute honor.”

The country hitmaker is also nominated in more categories than any other artist.

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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.