Lainey Wilson’s journey from a small-town girl living in a camper trailer to GRAMMY winner, ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, and Grand Ole Opry member is nothing short of inspiring. Along the way, she leaned on the wisdom of icons like Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd, who helped her navigate the ups and downs of the music business.

Now, standing at the peak of her career, Wilson is determined to pay it forward. One of the artists she’s guiding is rising star Ella Langley, who Wilson lovingly calls “like a sister.”

Passing on the Wisdom

In a recent chat with Country Nights Live with Bev Rainey, Wilson reflected on how much mentorship shaped her path:
“Miranda was that person for me, and she’s that person for Ella too,” she shared. “I think about all the wisdom Miranda, Reba, and Wynonna gave me. You’ve got to pass it on — you can’t keep it for yourself.”

Wilson checks in with Langley often, calling her one of the most promising young voices in country music: “It’s important for me to be there if she needs me.”

Ella Langley Opens Up

Langley, currently taking a break from touring after canceling her August shows, has been candid about the struggles that come with sudden success. Earlier this year, she admitted to Wilson and Lambert that she battled imposter syndrome, especially after finding herself nominated alongside them.
“I was like, ‘How can I even be in the same category as you two?’” Langley recalled. Both Wilson and Lambert reminded her that she belonged, just as others once reminded them.

Wilson’s Own Whirlwind Year

Even as she mentors the next generation, Wilson continues blazing trails of her own. She recently kicked off her Whirlwind World Tour and dropped the Whirlwind (Deluxe) project. The expanded edition adds five fresh tracks, including fan favorites like “Bell Bottoms Up,” “Peace, Love, and Cowboys,” and the rising single “Somewhere Over Laredo.”

Keeping the Cycle Alive

For Wilson, the sisterhood in country music is what keeps the genre strong. Just as legends once reached out to guide her, she now sees it as both a responsibility and a privilege to do the same for artists like Ella Langley.

It’s proof that in country music, success isn’t just about awards and hit songs—it’s also about lifting others up so the next generation can shine even brighter.