With her 2023 Entertainer of the Year award from the Country Music Association, a Best Country Album Grammy, and an acting role in “Yellowstone” under her belt, it’s no surprise that Lainey Wilson is currently on her largest tour to date.
On Saturday night, she packed more than 14,000 fans into St. Paul’s Grand Casino Arena. What was surprising, however, was how effortlessly she has transitioned into headlining such large venues. Her performance felt like it was delivered by a seasoned pro, despite having only one Top 10 album to her name.
That album, last year’s *Whirlwind*, featured prominently in her set list. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter has been on a long journey, having started writing songs as a teenager and even performing as a Hannah Montana impersonator early on. She shared with the crowd that she knew music was her calling as early as age nine.
Wilson moved to Nashville in 2011 and secured a major label deal in 2018. Her 2020 single “Things a Man Oughta Know” marked her first of six Top 10 hits, all of which were warmly received by the audience on Saturday night.
Wearing a series of colorful cowgirl outfits, Wilson commanded the stage with the presence and confidence reminiscent of Carrie Underwood or ’90s-era Shania Twain. The country show included plenty of drinking, but the audience remained captivated by Wilson, especially when she picked up an acoustic guitar for songs like “Hillbilly Hippie,” which featured an extended instrumental outro.
Co-writing all her material, Wilson’s music blends ’70s country, soul, and pop influences. She isn’t afraid to pay homage to key influences either. For instance, she expanded “Country’s Cool Again” into a medley featuring Vince Gill’s “One More Last Time,” Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs,” and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark.” Later in the show, she performed “Somewhere Over Laredo,” which incorporates the hook from the Judy Garland classic “Over the Rainbow.”
During a more intimate moment, Wilson sat alone on a stool and sang “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” calling it her favorite storytelling song she has written.
Wilson’s profile has grown significantly through opening slots for some of country music’s biggest names, including Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs at U.S. Bank Stadium. Reflecting this generosity, she gave her own opening acts a chance to shine. Maddox Batson, a 15-year-old singer often compared to a young Morgan Wallen, joined her on stage for “Good Horses” (which features Miranda Lambert on the studio recording). She also invited the duo Muscadine Bloodline on stage to perform their song “Pieces” as an acoustic trio.
Given her outstanding performance and enthusiastic reception, it’s likely we’ll see Lainey Wilson back in town sooner rather than later.
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/18/concert-review-country-star-lainey-wilson-st-paul/
