Lainey Wilson, the 32-year-old country music sensation, made headlines during her performance at the Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, on July 20 after her pants unexpectedly split. But instead of letting it phase her, the artist quickly pivoted, exiting the stage to change into a pair of dark jeans.
This marked Wilson’s debut at the festival, but she didn’t let the wardrobe malfunction dampen her spirits. Taking a cue from icons like Dolly Parton, she shared, “I always keep going. It’s all about laughter and rolling with the punches.”
Addressing the incident, Wilson humorously acknowledged that she might face similar mishaps in the future. “I’m likely to split my pants again, and I’ll just have to joke about it. After all, we all get dressed the same way—one leg at a time, even if things rip occasionally,” she added.
Hailing from a small farming community in Louisiana, Wilson has risen to become a leading force in country music. This year alone, she bagged a Grammy for Best Country Album, a People’s Choice Award for Female Country Artist, and the title of Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards.
With her new album, Whirlwind, set to drop on August 23, Wilson describes it as her “most personal and cathartic work” yet. She’s eager to share her journey since the release of her previous album, Bell Bottom Country, which also won a Grammy.
Eric Ryan Anderson/Lime Tree Music
In Whirlwind, Wilson explores aspects of her life she discovered post-Bell Bottom Country. “I’m in a happy relationship now, and I found a man worth writing about. I want people to see that side of me,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her creative process, she noted that writing this album provided a sense of peace during a tumultuous period in her life. “I hope listeners feel that grounding and warmth when they hear it,” she said.
When asked about her favorite track, Wilson laughed, likening it to choosing a favorite child. However, she enjoys witnessing the audience connect with her lead single, “Hang Tight Honey,” released in May. “It’s thrilling to see fans singing along. Each new song brings more people into the fold, and it’s a blast to watch them enjoy what I’ve put my heart into,” she shared.
Ready to dive into Wilson’s latest work? Pre-order or pre-save Whirlwind here: https://laineywilson.lnk.to/whirlwind