Yellowstone’s Lainey Wilson Impressed Showrunner Taylor Sheridan With Her Vocal Chops: Learn More About Her

Wilson has released a number of country hits since her time on the western show

Lainey Wilson can sing, play her own instruments, and much to her surprise, act. While most might know her for her musical prowess, celebrated for hits including “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Dirty Looks” and so much more, you probably caught her in the most recent season of Yellowstone.

Her character of Abby is a musician much like herself, and the character that showrunner Taylor Sheridan created for her was actually pretty close to the real Lainey Wilson we know and love. So how exactly did this country music star without an ounce of acting experience land a spot on one of the most popular television series out there? Keep scrolling to find out.

How did Lainey Wilson get her role on ‘Yellowstone’?
The Grammy Award-winning singer, whose new album, Whirlwind, is set to release on August 23, recently appeared on an episode of the podcast Making Space with Hoda Kotb. As her 50th guest on the show, Wilson dished all about her start on the popular western series.

Wilson recalled how she and Sheridan first got acquainted with one another. He had used a few of her songs on the series in the past, so they had formed a relationship through that connection.

This proved to be fruitful for her career, not only because it led to her first real acting gig, but it also brought on a new group of people who would come to appreciate her music. Wilson recalled how people at her shows would often explain that they discovered her through her songs in the hit series.

However, it opened more doors for her when Sheridan popped the big question. Informing her that he wanted to create a character specifically for her, the country singer was taken back.

Lainey Wilson pictured during her time as Abby on Yellowstone

Informing him that she’d never acted before, Wison recalled , “He said, ‘Well, most musicians that I work with, without even knowing it, they’re actors and actresses because at times, you got to stand up on that stage. And maybe you just lost somebody the night before, maybe you’re going through a breakup — maybe, who knows?’ But you got to hide all these feelings when you get up on that stage because it’s not about you.”

As for whether or not she’ll be returning in the upcoming season, the songstress told Entertainment Tonight, “I’ll be honest with you. I’d be shocked.”

The singer continued to explain the admiration she has for Sheridan’s writing and show as a whole despite her future being uncertain. Regardless, Wilson said, “I’m ready for it, I’ll tell you that. I’m waiting to see what’s happening. I told Taylor Sheridan, ‘You give me the call and I’ll be there.’”