Lainey Wilson has had plenty of awards and accolades, including currently enjoying her reign as both the CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year. But it’s another trophy she received just ahead of the recent ACM Awards live ceremony, which Wilson says is her most important honor, at least in her mind: winning the ACM Award for Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
“When I found out about the Artist-Songwriter, that was one of my biggest accomplishments,” Wilson reveals to CMT. “Because I take pride in writing music. I wrote my first song at nine years old, and I would say that I’m a storyteller before anything. So that one right there … and of course, everything else too. Don’t make me choose.”
It was Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert who presented Wilson with the Artist-Songwriter of the Year trophy. The two were together to rehearse their “Trailblazer” performance during the live ceremony. Wilson walked away from the ACM Awards with a total of four trophies. The Louisiana native works really, really hard, but still says most of the credit for her success goes to her fans.
“To the country music fans and to the country music community, thank you,” Wilson said after her big wins. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is sing and write music. Y’all have given me a stage for my songs to be heard and I will never be able to tell you how thankful I truly am for just giving me a shot. Here’s to 14 years in Nashville doing the only thing I know how to do. Love y’all to the moon.”
Wilson was nominated for Entertainer of the Year along with Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll. Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen. Wilson honored them as she accepted her second consecutive ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year.
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“I love every single one of you in this category,” Wilson said during her acceptance speech. “And you all have taken me under y’all’s wings and took me out on the road with you. Asked me to be on songs. Supported me in every way that you possibly can. I will tell you this: I’m sure everybody deals with a little bit of impostor syndrome, but I won’t lie to you, I have a little bit. But, I read something not long ago that just said, ‘If something is given to you, then you need to accept it with an open heart and an open mind.’ I just appreciate it. I really do have the best fans in the world.”
Not only did Wilson win two back-to-back Entertainer of the Year trophies at the ACM Awards, but she also made history in the process. She is only the third female artist in ACM history to win two consecutive Entertainer of the Year trophies at the ACM Awards, joining the ranks of Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.
“I can’t believe I’m even in the same sentence as those ladies,” Wilson said backstage after her Entertainer of the Year win. “It means the world. I definitely didn’t expect this. I didn’t. Honestly, I didn’t think it would happen for much longer, and it’s wild. I’m still trying to process it and wrap my head around it, but I’m proud of the girls. I’m proud the girls are really whopping butt right now, and I’m proud to be a part of that group.”
Find all of Wilson’s music and upcoming shows at LaineyWilson.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the ACM / Gilbert Flores