Los Angeles, CA – Country music star Lainey Wilson, fresh off her acting debut in the hit series Yellowstone, expressed keen interest in joining the show's expanding universe of spinoffs during a red carpet interview at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1. The event, hosted by Trevor Noah at the Crypto.com Arena, brought together music's elite, but Wilson's comments stole the spotlight for fans of the Paramount Network drama. At 33 years old, the singer-songwriter, known for her chart-topping hits like “Watermelon Moonshine,” first appeared in Yellowstone's fifth and final season as the aspiring singer Aby, a role that marked her entry into acting just over three years ago.
Wilson's enthusiasm for the franchise was evident as she recounted pitching herself directly to series co-creator Taylor Sheridan. “I told [the series’ co-creator] Taylor Sheridan, ‘Holler at me!’” she told Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet, adding, “But who knows? We’ll see. Fingers crossed.” The original Yellowstone series, famous for its rugged Western themes and wide-brimmed Stetsons, has already spawned successful prequels like 1883 and 1923, with more on the horizon including the upcoming Marshals. While Wilson remains uncertain about whether her character Aby will return in any of these extensions, her comments highlight the growing crossover appeal between country music and Hollywood storytelling.
The Grammys appearance came at a pivotal moment for Wilson, who was nominated in two categories: Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for her 2025 single “Somewhere Over Laredo” from her album Whirlwind. Though she didn't walk away with the awards that night, the nominations underscored her dominance in the genre. The ballad, with its heartfelt lyrics about life's twists and turns, resonated widely, earning praise from critics and fans alike for blending traditional country sounds with Wilson's signature bell-bottom style.
Beyond music, Wilson's acting ambitions are gaining momentum. She has already wrapped her latest role in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel Reminders of Him, set for release in March. In the movie, Wilson steps away from her musical persona to portray Amy, a grocery store clerk and confidante to the protagonist Kenna Rowen, played by actress Maika Monroe. “I’m such a fan of hers,” Wilson said of Hoover, emphasizing her excitement for the project. This marks the first time Wilson has tackled a non-musician character, a deliberate choice to broaden her range.
“This is the first role that I got to play where I wasn’t a musician, which felt good. I wanted to step outside of that box and we did it. I can’t wait to do it again,” Wilson shared during the Grammy interview. Her performance as Amy allows her to explore new facets of storytelling, a skill she has honed through years of songwriting. The film, directed by an up-and-coming team passionate about Hoover's emotional narratives, promises to delve into themes of redemption and resilience, areas where Wilson's authentic delivery could shine.
Wilson's journey into acting wasn't part of her original plan. “The truth is? I never, in a million years, thought that I’d be doing acting,” she admitted. “I’ve always loved telling a story. No matter what, my music is number one. But if all these other opportunities are showing up, I’d sure hate to close the door on them.” This openness reflects a broader trend among country artists, from Dolly Parton to Kacey Musgraves, who have successfully bridged music and screen careers. For Wilson, the Yellowstone role served as an unexpected gateway, introducing her to a massive audience beyond concert halls.
The singer's self-description as a multifaceted talent drives her forward. “When I hear Lainey Wilson: singer, songwriter, artist, performer, and actress, I really want to live up to that. So, this gave me the opportunity to do that,” she explained. Her “Bell Bottom Country” persona – a nod to her distinctive fashion and rootsy sound – has evolved to encompass these new dimensions, allowing her to connect with fans on multiple levels. As she continues to develop her acting voice, Wilson insists on doing so on her own terms, prioritizing projects that align with her values and creative instincts.
The 2026 Grammys themselves were a glittering affair, with stars arriving in high fashion that mirrored the night's celebratory vibe. While Wilson commanded attention with her career updates, the event featured performances and appearances from other luminaries. One highlight for Wilson was fulfilling a longtime dream: collaborating with icons Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire on a tribute to Dolly Parton, performing Parton's classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
“She’s my hero. Dolly can do no wrong,” Wilson marveled about Parton. “She’s been really good to me.” The performance, part of a larger homage to Parton's legacy, showcased Wilson's vocal prowess alongside the ensemble, drawing thunderous applause from the audience. Parton's influence on Wilson is profound; the younger artist has often cited the country legend as a mentor figure, crediting her for paving the way for women in the industry.
Looking back, Wilson's path to this point has been marked by persistence. Raised in Baskin, Louisiana, she moved to Nashville at 19 with big dreams and a trailer she lived in behind her parents' property. Her breakthrough came with albums like Sayin' What I'm Thinkin' and Heart Like a Truck, but it was her Yellowstone cameo that catapulted her into acting discussions. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Kevin Costner, has become a cultural phenomenon, averaging millions of viewers per episode and spawning a franchise worth billions in merchandising and tourism for filming locations in Montana and Utah.
Industry observers note that Wilson's dual pursuits could position her as a rare triple threat in entertainment. According to entertainment insiders, her natural charisma and storytelling ability make her a strong fit for more roles, potentially in other Sheridan projects. However, with music remaining her core passion, Wilson has no plans to abandon the stage. Upcoming tours and album releases are on her horizon, ensuring her country roots stay firmly planted.
As the Yellowstone spinoffs gear up for production – 1923 Season 2 already in the works and Marshals slated for late 2026 – fans are speculating about cameos from original cast members. Wilson's pitch to Sheridan adds fuel to the rumor mill, though no official confirmations have emerged from Paramount. Representatives for the singer and the studio declined to comment further when reached by The Appleton Times, leaving the door open for future announcements.
The broader implications of Wilson's career pivot extend to the entertainment industry at large. With streaming platforms hungry for authentic voices, artists like her are increasingly blurring lines between genres. Her role in Reminders of Him could open doors to more literary adaptations, a niche where country stars have found success, as seen with Jennifer Nettles in Broadway and film. Meanwhile, the Grammys nod for “Somewhere Over Laredo” reinforces her musical stature, with the song's writers celebrating the recognition as a testament to collaborative spirit.
In the end, Wilson's story is one of embracing opportunity without losing sight of origins. From daydreaming about the Crystal Bar set in Yellowstone to sharing the stage with legends, she embodies the evolving landscape of country music. As she told Entertainment Tonight, the acting world was an unforeseen chapter, but one she's eager to keep writing. With Reminders of Him on the horizon and potential returns to the Dutton ranch, 2026 promises to be another banner year for the Louisiana native.
For now, Wilson continues to inspire, proving that in the worlds of music and film, the best stories are those told with heart. Fans can catch her next moves as her career unfolds, one honky-tonk tale at a time.