The untold story of how Lainey Wilson scored her ‘Yellowstone’ role and whether it signals the end of her music career. ML
Lainey Wilson Makes Acting Debut on ‘Yellowstone’ but Music Remains Her Priority
Country music sensation Lainey Wilson expanded her artistic horizons with her first acting role on Yellowstone season 5, playing Abby, a musician. However, Wilson made it clear that no matter what, songwriting will always be her main focus.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the 2023 CMT Music Awards on April 2, Wilson said, “I will never not make songwriting my priority because the songwriting is what has given me all the rest of these opportunities.” When asked if she might leave music for acting full-time, the 30-year-old star responded firmly that her music career comes first.
Wilson’s role on Yellowstone came after years of friendship with the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan. “He had put some of my songs in the show, then invited me to a horse-riding competition in Vegas, which is when we really connected,” Wilson said. “I thought the friendship would lead to something, but I never imagined it would mean a role on the show.”
Sheridan called her last February with the idea of creating a character specifically for her. “He told me to wear my bell bottoms, sing my own songs, and just be myself,” Wilson said. “The character is a musician named Abby.”
To stay grounded amidst her rising fame, Wilson relies on her family and team. “My folks back home and my Nashville crew keep me real,” she said. “They remind me, ‘Girl, you know who you are.’”
At the CMT Awards, Wilson won Female Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year. She performed “Heart Like a Truck” and joined other female artists in a rendition of Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.”
Accepting her award, Wilson said, “This song is about finding strength and freedom, not fearing the bumps along the way. I’m so proud that this video was made entirely by women.” She thanked CMT for their early belief in her and expressed gratitude to her fans: “I’m watching my dreams come true, and this is for y’all. I love you so much.”
