Lainey Wilson, the breakout country music star, has made a splash with her acting debut on the smash Paramount Network series Yellowstone. The “Things a Man Oughta Know” singer joined the cast for Season 5 in the role of Abby, a musician who strikes up a friendship with one of the show’s main characters, Ryan.
Wilson’s Yellowstone character Abby is a singer at a bar that Ryan and some of the other ranch hands frequent. Her role started out small but has been expanded as the season has progressed. Abby has become a confidante and potential love interest for Ryan, played by Ian Bohen.
The 30-year-old Wilson seems like a natural fit for Yellowstone with her authentic country style and roots. The “Heart Like a Truck” singer grew up in the small town of Baskin, Louisiana and has been performing country music since she was a young girl. Her down-home charm and relatability have endeared her to fans.
From Country Radio to Yellowstone Ranch
While Lainey Wilson was already a rising star in country music, her role on Yellowstone has introduced her to a massive new audience. The Kevin Costner-led western is the most-watched show on cable television, drawing in over 10 million viewers for its Season 5 premiere.
For Wilson, the opportunity to join 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 to being nervous when she first got on set, but said the cast and crew made her feel right at home.
Yellowstone marks Lainey Wilson’s first acting role, but she’s been preparing her whole life in a way. Growing up, she participated in theater and acting in school. She told NBC Insider that she used to perform monologues in her bedroom as a kid.
Lainey Wilson’s Songs Featured on Yellowstone
Not only is Lainey Wilson appearing on screen in Yellowstone Season 5, but her music is featured as well. Two songs from her latest album Bell Bottom Country – “Smell Like Smoke” and “New Friends” – were included in the season premiere episode.
Having her songs played on Yellowstone was hugely meaningful for Wilson. She’s a massive 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 fit for the rugged, country western atmosphere of Yellowstone. The exposure from the hit series will no doubt introduce her music to many new fans. It’s a huge opportunity for the up-and-coming artist.
Lainey Wilson’s Yellowstone Experience
Lainey Wilson has shared some behind-the-scenes details about her experience filming Yellowstone Season 5. She said that acting on the show was “a whole different ballgame” compared to performing on stage as a musician.
One of the biggest challenges for Wilson was adapting 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’s been an incredible experience.
Wilson had high praise for her Yellowstone co-stars, especially Ian Bohen who plays her character’s love interest Ryan. “Ian’s the best. He’s so kind and he’s been so helpful to me, because I’m the new kid on the block,” she told NBC Insider. “He’s really taken me under his wing.”
Joining the cast of an established hit show like Yellowstone could be intimidating, but it sounds like Lainey Wilson has fit right in. Her talent and warm personality have no doubt endeared her to cast and crew alike.
Lainey Wilson’s Real-Life Cowgirl Roots
Lainey Wilson’s authentic country background makes her a natural fit for Yellowstone. The singer/songwriter has a true cowgirl spirit that comes through in her music and personal style.
Growing up in rural Louisiana, Wilson was riding horses from a young age. She worked at a western store as a teenager. Her family has a farm and she loves spending time there riding around the property.
Even as she’s found success in music, Wilson has stayed true to her “bell bottom country” roots. Her fashion is a mix of retro ’70s style and classic western wear. 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. It’s a role she was truly born to play.
Lainey Wilson’s Breakout Year
2022 was a whirlwind year for Lainey Wilson. In addition to making her acting debut on the biggest show on cable TV, she continued to make huge strides in her music career.
Wilson earned several major award nominations, including New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards. She took home trophies for New Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the ACM Awards.
Her album Bell Bottom Country dropped in October to rave reviews. It showcases Wilson’s growth as a songwriter and her unique blend of ’70s rock and traditional country influences. The project features her hit song “Heart Like a Truck.”
Lainey Wilson also hit the road as a supporting act on Jon Pardi’s Ain’t Always the Cowboy tour. She’ll join Luke Combs on his 2023 world tour. It’s clear this is just the beginning for the rising star.
What’s Next for Lainey Wilson
So what’s next for Lainey Wilson after her breakout 2022? Fans are hoping to see more of her on future seasons of Yellowstone. While her role started out small, there’s potential for her character Abby to become a bigger part of the show.
Wilson also has big plans in the music world. 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’s for sure – 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.
