Lainey Wilson Commands Railbird 2025 with Heart and Grit

Lexington’s Red Mile buzzed last Saturday, May 31, 2025, as Lainey Wilson took the Limestone Stage. The Railbird Festival crowd swelled under a Kentucky sunset, boots stomping in the infield dirt. Wilson, a firebrand in bell bottoms, delivered a set that felt like a love letter to country music. Her voice, raw and soaring, carried stories of heartbreak and hustle. Fans sang every word, their voices echoing across the racetrack. Yet, her performance wasn’t just music—it was a moment of connection.

A Star Born in Baskin

Lainey Wilson, born June 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, grew up on a farm, steeped in country roots. As a child, she penned songs, dreaming of Nashville. After high school, she moved to Music City, living in a camper trailer, grinding through open mics. Her hustle paid off with a publishing deal, then a record contract with BBR Music Group. Now, she’s a leading voice in country, blending traditional twang with modern edge.

Wilson’s never been tied to a band, carving her path solo. However, she’s collaborated with artists like Cole Swindell and Hardy. Her backing band at Railbird, unnamed but tight, included a fiddler and steel guitarist who amplified her sound. Meanwhile, her romance with former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges has made headlines since 2023. Hodges, often at her shows, inspired her song “4x4xU.” Additionally, Wilson’s role as Abby on Yellowstone boosted her fame, with her music featured in the series.

Her trophy case shines bright. Wilson’s won five CMA Awards, including 2023’s Entertainer of the Year, a historic female win. She also nabbed a Grammy for Best Country Album (Bell Bottom Country, 2023) and multiple ACM Awards. Yet, no Hall of Fame induction has come—her career’s still young.

Biggest Songs:

• “Things a Man Oughta Know”: Written by Lainey Wilson, Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton; a 2020 chart-topper.
• “Heart Like a Truck”: Written by Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson; a 2022 streaming hit.
• “4x4xU”: Written by Lainey Wilson, Aaron Raitiere, Jon Decious; a 2024 radio favorite.

Controversy? Wilson’s stayed clean, but she’s been vocal about industry sexism, pushing for female artists’ visibility. Recently, her outspoken support for hurricane relief in 2024 stirred minor online backlash from detractors.

Railbird’s Saturday Night Fire

The crowd roared as Wilson strutted onstage, bell bottoms swaying, hat tilted low. She kicked off with “Keeping Up with the Jones,” her voice cutting through the humid air. Fans swayed, arms raised, as she owned the stage. Then, she slowed it down with “Smell Like Smoke,” a Yellowstone standout. Her band’s fiddle wailed, pulling heartstrings.

Next, Wilson shared a story about her Louisiana roots, her drawl warm and inviting. She launched into “Heart Like a Truck,” and the crowd sang louder than her mic. Meanwhile, her stage presence felt effortless—she danced, laughed, and tossed her hat to a front-row fan. However, it was “Things a Man Oughta Know” that stole the night. As she sang, tears glistened in her eyes, reflecting the stage lights.

Wilson’s set wasn’t just hits. She covered Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” her voice dripping with grit. Then, she brought out Luke Grimes, her Yellowstone co-star, for a surprise duet on “Hold My Halo.” The crowd erupted, phones lighting up the infield. Yet, Wilson’s solo moments shone brightest—she didn’t need guests to captivate.

Her encore, “4x4xU,” felt personal, a nod to Hodges in the wings. As she sang, the audience swayed, couples holding each other close. Finally, she closed with “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” her voice soaring over galloping drums. The crowd cheered long after she left the stage.

A Voice for the Heartland

Wilson’s Railbird set was not just a headliner concert—it was a celebration of resilience. Her songs, rooted in real life, connected deeply. For instance, “Heart Like a Truck” spoke to anyone who’s faced hard times. Similarly, her banter about chasing dreams hit home with aspiring artists in the crowd. Meanwhile, her Yellowstone fame drew new fans, but her authenticity kept them.

However, not every moment was perfect. The sound mix faltered during “Watermelon Moonshine,” muffling her vocals briefly. Still, Wilson powered through, her smile never fading. Additionally, some fans grumbled about the set’s length—just 90 minutes. Yet, for most, it was enough to leave them buzzing.

Wilson’s chemistry with her band stood out. The steel guitarist’s solos added fire to “Atta Girl,” while the drummer drove “Hang Tight Honey.” Furthermore, her stage design—rusted barn doors and neon cacti—evoked her rural roots. As a result, the visuals matched her sound: bold, earthy, unapologetic.

Why Lainey Shines

Lainey Wilson’s Railbird performance proved why she’s country’s brightest star. Her voice, a mix of honey and gravel, carried every note. Moreover, her stories—about family, love, and struggle—felt like conversations with friends. For example, she dedicated “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” to her mother, choking up mid-song. Consequently, fans felt her heart in every lyric.

Wilson’s connection to Kentucky ran deep. She shouted out Lexington’s honky-tonks, earning roars from locals. Additionally, her bourbon-soaked stage vibe fit Railbird’s Kentucky spirit. However, her universal appeal—small-town grit with big-city polish—won over out-of-towners too.

Her setlist balanced old and new. Early hits like “Dirty Looks” sparked nostalgia, while “Whirlwind” from her 2024 album showed growth. Meanwhile, her covers paid homage to icons, cementing her place in country’s lineage. As she left the stage, fans chanted her name, unwilling to let go.

Looking Ahead

Wilson’s Railbird set was a triumph, but her journey’s just beginning. She’s hinted at a new album in 2026. For now, her tour rolls on, with festival slots and headlining gigs booked through fall. Meanwhile, her Yellowstone role may expand, tying her music to the screen. Yet, it’s her live shows—like Railbird’s—that define her.

As the crowd dispersed, fans swapped stories of favorite moments. A couple clutched signed hats; others shared blurry phone videos. Wilson’s performance lingered, a reminder of country music’s power to unite. For those who missed it, her next Kentucky stop can’t come soon enough.

Related Posts

• 

  Alana Springsteen Brings High-Energy Charm to Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert
  Alana Springsteen Brings High-Energy Charm to Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert
• 

  Chase Matthew Ignites the Party at Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert
  Chase Matthew Ignites the Party at Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert
• 

  Karley Scott Collins Shines as Opening Act at Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert: A Star on the Rise
  Karley Scott Collins Shines as Opening Act at Keith Urban’s Ruoff Music Center Concert: A Star on the Rise
• 

  Keith Urban Delivers a Barn-Burning Show at Ruoff Music Center: A Night of Heart and Hustle
  Keith Urban Delivers a Barn-Burning Show at Ruoff Music Center: A Night of Heart and Hustle

You must be logged in to post a comment Login