Lainey Wilson Leading the Way
Country music has seen a remarkable resurgence in the UK, with a 67% increase in popularity recorded in 2024. ” This resurgence was reflected in the sales and streaming-equivalent sales of country singles, which reached an impressive 11.5 million within the first 21 weeks of the year.” Once considered a niche genre outside of the United States, country music is now making waves across the UK, fueled by both fresh talent and the influence of mainstream culture. One of the artists at the forefront of this movement is Lainey Wilson, whose recent success has solidified her as a key figure in the genre’s revival.
Lainey Wilson: A Driving Force in UK Country Music
Lainey Wilson has made a significant impact on the UK country scene. Her 2024 album Whirlwind not only achieved commercial success but also reached No. 1 on the Official Country Artists Album Chart in the UK (Official Charts). The album also peaked at No. 13 on the Official Albums Chart, underscoring its widespread appeal (Official Charts).
At the C2C Festival 2025, held at London’s O2 Arena, Wilson’s contributions were further recognized. She received two UK Country Awards: one for having the most No. 1 singles on the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart in 2024, with hits like Hang Tight Honey and 4X4XU, and another for her album Whirlwind being acknowledged as the No. 1 country album in the UK (Holler Country).
During her acceptance speech at the festival, Wilson expressed her deep connection with the UK audience, stating, “Y’all raised me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making me feel welcome from the beginning” (Holler Country). Her headlining performance featured energetic renditions of songs like Dirty Looks, Heart Like a Truck, and Watermelon Moonshine, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Collaborations that have raised Country music’s profile
What sets Lainey Wilson apart is her ability to tell compelling stories through her music. Storytelling has always been a hallmark of country music, and Wilson embodies this tradition effortlessly. She has also written songs for legendary artists like Dolly Parton, such as “Mama He’s Crazy” further proving her songwriting prowess and deep connection to the roots of country music. Wilson’s journey in music began at just nine years old, setting the foundation for her career as a singer-songwriter.
Over the years, she has honed her craft, gaining recognition on prestigious platforms such as the CMA Festival in Nashville and earning a Grammy nomination (People). Wilson’s rise is part of a broader trend of country music gaining mainstream traction. Global superstars like Beyoncé have also made forays into the genre, further elevating its visibility. Beyoncé‘s “Texas Hold ‘Em” from her album “COWBOY CARTER” became the first-ever Number 1 country album in the UK by a black artist, showcasing the genre’s growing appeal.
Collaborations like Sabrina Carpenter working with Dolly Parton helped bridge the gap between pop and country, bringing the genre to a wider audience. We saw a growing trend of mainstream pop artists embracing country influences, whether through features, duets, or full crossover albums.
Artists like Beyoncé (with her then-upcoming country-inspired album), Post Malone (who had hinted at country projects), and even Kesha and Lana Del Rey dipped into country elements. These collaborations not only introduced younger audiences to country music but also modernized its sound, making it more accessible and appealing across different fan bases.
Country music, in main stream music and now tv
The integration of country music into TV shows, streaming platforms, and pop culture has helped introduce it to new audiences, contributing to its renewed popularity in the UK. Lainey Wilson’s role in Yellowstone Season 5 further cemented her presence in popular culture, introducing her to an even wider audience. starring on Yellowstone pushed her music career over the top in her new ABC News Studios special.
“Appearing on Yellowstone put a face to a name,” the country star, said in Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country . “I mean, I had never acted a day in my life, but when somebody like Taylor Sheridan calls you and asks you, ‘Do you wanna be a part of my show?’ It made me feel like, ‘Wow, he sees something in me I’ve never seen in myself.’ It was one of the most important things for my self-esteem.” Wilson appeared as the character Abby in the first half of season 5, which aired in late 2022.
Artists like Lainey Wilson are leading the charge, country music is experiencing an exciting transformation in the UK. Her success, combined with the genre’s increasing crossover appeal, suggests that country music is here to stay.