Lainey Wilson, the rising country music star, has made a big impression with her acting debut on the popular Paramount Network series Yellowstone. The singer of Things a Man Oughta Know joined the cast in Season 5, playing Abby, a musician who becomes friends with one of the main characters, Ryan.
Lainey Wilson’s character Abby in Yellowstone is a singer at a bar that Ryan and some of the other ranch workers often visit. Her role began as a small part but has grown as the season has gone on. Abby has become a close confidante and possible love interest for Ryan, who is played by Ian Bohen.
The 30-year-old Lainey Wilson seems like a perfect match for Yellowstone with her genuine country style and background. The Heart Like a Truck singer grew up in the small town of Baskin, Louisiana, and has been singing country music since she was a little girl. Her natural charm and relatability have won the hearts of fans.
From Country Radio to Yellowstone Ranch
Lainey Wilson was already a rising star in country music, but her role on Yellowstone has brought her to a much larger audience. The Kevin Costner-led western is the most-watched show on cable TV, with over 10 million viewers tuning in for its Season 5 premiere.
For Lainey Wilson, joining the Yellowstone cast was a dream come true. This is my first rodeo as an actress, and I’m just hanging on tight and trying to do my best, she told People. She admitted feeling nervous when she first arrived on set, but shared that the cast and crew made her feel very comfortable and at home.
Yellowstone is Lainey Wilson’s first acting role, but in a way, she’s been preparing for it her whole life. Growing up, she participated in theater and acting at school. She told NBC Insider that as a kid, she would perform monologues in her bedroom.
Lainey Wilson’s Songs Featured on Yellowstone
Lainey Wilson is not only appearing on screen in Yellowstone Season 5, but her music is also featured in the show. Two songs from her latest album Bell Bottom Country — Smell Like Smoke and New Friends — were included in the season premiere episode.
For Lainey Wilson, having her songs played on Yellowstone was incredibly meaningful, especially since she’s a big fan of the show herself. It’s a huge deal for me to have my songs included in Yellowstone, especially as an independent artist, because I know that so many people are going to hear my music that might not have heard it otherwise, she told Billboard.
Wilson’s songs are a perfect match for the rugged, country western vibe of Yellowstone. The exposure from the hit series is sure to introduce her music to many new fans, making it a significant opportunity for the rising artist.
Lainey Wilson’s Yellowstone Experience
Lainey Wilson has shared some behind-the-scenes insights about her experience filming Yellowstone Season 5. She mentioned that acting on the show was a whole different ballgame compared to performing on stage as a musician.
One of the biggest challenges for Lainey Wilson was getting used to the early call times and long days on set. She joked with People, I’m not used to waking up before the sun, that’s for sure! Despite the adjustment, she said it has been an incredible experience.
Lainey Wilson had high praise for her Yellowstone co-stars, especially Ian Bohen, who plays her character’s love interest, Ryan. She said, Ian’s the best. He’s so kind and has been really helpful to me since I’m the new kid on the block. He’s really taken me under his wing, she told NBC Insider.
Joining the cast of an established hit show like Yellowstone could be intimidating, but it seems Lainey Wilson has fit in perfectly. Her talent and warm personality have surely won her the affection of both the cast and crew.
Lainey Wilson’s Real-Life Cowgirl Roots
Lainey Wilson’s authentic country background makes her a perfect fit for Yellowstone. The singer-songwriter embodies a true cowgirl spirit that shines through in her music and personal style.
Growing up in rural Louisiana, Lainey Wilson was riding horses from a young age. As a teenager, she worked at a western store. Her family owns a farm, and she loves spending time there, riding around the property.
Even as she’s achieved success in music, Lainey Wilson has remained true to her bell bottom country roots. Her fashion blends retro ’70s style with classic western wear, and she’s rarely seen without her signature cowboy hat.
This genuine country identity is part of what makes Lainey Wilson so appealing as a character on Yellowstone. She embodies the cowgirl spirit both on and off screen, making it a role she was truly born to play.
Lainey Wilson’s Breakout Year
2022 was a whirlwind year for Lainey Wilson. Alongside her acting debut on the biggest show on cable TV, she made significant strides in her music career.
Wilson received several major award nominations, including New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards. At the ACM Awards, she won trophies for New Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.
Her album Bell Bottom Country was released in October to rave reviews, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and her unique blend of ’70s rock and traditional country influences. The album features her hit song Heart Like a Truck.
Lainey also hit the road as a supporting act on Jon Pardi’s Ain’t Always the Cowboy tour and will join Luke Combs on his 2023 world tour. It’s clear that this is just the beginning for this rising star.
What’s Next for Lainey Wilson
So, what’s next for Lainey Wilson after her breakout year in 2022? Fans are eager to see more of her in future seasons of Yellowstone. While her role started small, there’s potential for her character Abby to become a bigger part of the show.
In the music world, Wilson has big plans. She’ll continue touring throughout 2023 while working on new music. I’ve got a lot more stories to tell, she said in a Billboard interview. I’m just getting started.
One thing is clear: Lainey Wilson is a star on the rise. Her unique style, undeniable talent, and authentic personality set her apart. She’s carving her own path in country music while exploring exciting new opportunities like her role on Yellowstone.
For this small-town Louisiana cowgirl, the sky’s the limit. Lainey Wilson is sure to keep shining on screen and on stage in the coming years. She’s an artist to watch in country music and now on Yellowstone, cable’s biggest hit.
