Source: Rolling Stone
Lainey Wilson Lights Up the AMAs 2025 with “Somewhere Over Laredo”
At the 2025 American Music Awards, Lainey Wilson dazzled audiences with the live debut of her new single, “Somewhere Over Laredo.” The favorite female country artist nominee took the stage on May 26, 2025, donning an eye-catching white bell-bottomed suit paired with a flowy cape, complementing her performance with a sparkling silver belt buckle and matching microphone stand.
With Dan + Shay introducing her, Wilson’s performance created a captivating atmosphere as she transported listeners into her lyrical world. “Caught me a red-eye flight out of Houston/Found me a window seat with a view/Headed out west for south California/One Tito’s in I’m thinking about you,” she sang, demonstrating her ability to weave storytelling into her music. The chorus resonated with the lines, “Knowing 20 minutes from now/I’ll be somewhere over Laredo/Dreaming ’bout those rodeo nights.”
Creative Inspiration Behind “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Co-written by Wilson alongside her frequent collaborator Trannie Anderson, as well as Dallas Wilson and Andy Albert, “Somewhere Over Laredo” creatively uses the melody of the classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” This connection to a well-known song adds nostalgic layers to Wilson’s vibrant country sound while paying homage to the legacy of Judy Garland and the iconic film, The Wizard of Oz.
The new single is part of an upcoming deluxe edition of Wilson’s acclaimed album, Whirlwind, which is set to release on August 22, 2025. This expanded tracklist includes several new songs, such as “King Ranch, King George, King James,” “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day,” “Peace, Love, and Cowboys,” and “Bell Bottoms Up,” the latter being also the name of Wilson’s Nashville honky-tonk.
Recognition and Upcoming Milestones for Lainey Wilson
Recently, “Whirlwind” received the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 2025 ACM Awards, further solidifying Lainey Wilson’s status in the country music scene. Not only did she take home this award, but she also repeated her win as Entertainer of the Year. At the awards show, she wowed audiences yet again by performing alongside country legends Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert on McEntire’s recently released song, “Trailblazer.”
At the 2025 AMAs, aside from her notable performance, Wilson was nominated for Favorite Female Country Artist, competing against acclaimed artists such as Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Megan Moroney. The atmosphere at the AMAs highlighted the competitive spirit of the country music genre, with nominees for Favorite Male Country Artist including Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen, to name a few.
A Look Ahead at Lainey Wilson’s Future
With her engaging performances and heartfelt lyrics, Lainey Wilson continues to gain recognition and admiration in the music industry. As she looks forward to the release of her new deluxe album and future performances, fans and critics alike can anticipate her contributions to the country music landscape. “Lainey Wilson is undoubtedly a name to watch,” as remarked by many industry insiders, affirming her potential for sustained success.
FAQ Section
What inspired Lainey Wilson’s song “Somewhere Over Laredo”?
The song creatively interpolates the melody of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” showcasing Lainey’s knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with classic inspirations.
When will Lainey Wilson’s deluxe edition of “Whirlwind” be released?
The deluxe edition is scheduled for release on August 22, 2025, and will feature several new tracks alongside the original songs.
How has Lainey Wilson been recognized in recent awards shows?
Lainey Wilson recently won Album of the Year and Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards and was nominated for Favorite Female Country Artist at the AMAs.
Who collaborated with Lainey Wilson on “Somewhere Over Laredo”?
Lainey Wilson co-wrote the song with Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert.
What is the significance of Lainey Wilson’s performance style?
Her performances often blend engaging storytelling with strong stage presence, showcasing her unique style within the country music genre.
