Lainey Wilson took home five trophies including entertainer of the year Wednesday night (Nov. 8) at the Country Music Association Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The 31-year-old Louisiana-born singer was the undisputed star of the night, as she also was named female vocalist of the year, won album of the year for Bell Bottom Country and gave a fiery rendition of her song
“Wildflowers and Wild Horses” that looked like it came from a classic Hollywood Western.
“This is all I’ve ever wanted to do, it’s the only thing I know how to do,” Wilson said through tears as she accepted entertainer of the year. “It finally feels like country music is starting to love me back.”
Wilson came into the night the top nominee with nine nods, and had won one award before the ABC telecast even started as she and HARDY were named winners in the musical event of the year category, for “Wait in the Truck.”
It was also another major Nashville night for rapper-turned-singer Jelly Roll, who earlier this year topped the CMT Music Awards.
He opened the show with a performance of his hit “Need a Favor,” along with surprise guest Wynonna Judd and backed by a gospel choir before being awarded best new artist.
“There is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning new artist of the year,” he said from the stage. “What’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind you.”