Lainey Wilson, the rising star of country music, recently shared an unexpected anecdote from one of her festivals, illustrating the quirks of fame during an interview with Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music. The singer recalled a moment that brought her face-to-face with an unexpected challenge: being asked for a backstage “pass” at her own show.
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The incident took place during a festival in Elizabethtown, Colorado, a venue that Wilson described as a “rodeo festival type thing.” Reflecting on the experience, the 33-year-old singer noted it occurred just as she was preparing to take the stage. Despite the crowd of a few hundred eager fans waiting to see her perform, a crew member halted her progress, insisting that he needed to see her backstage pass.
With a mix of humour and disbelief, Wilson recalled her reaction, stating, “I go, ‘I am the pass.’” Her laughter underscored the absurdity of the situation, revealing her surprise at having to assert her identity in such a manner. “I was like, ‘Who am I?!’ Oh my gosh, I am not proud of that,” she admitted, reflecting on a moment that she didn’t fully believe could happen to her.
In a bid to further convince the crew member, Wilson playfully suggested that she could retrieve her pass, assuring him, “It’s got my face on it, believe me.” She expressed her urgent need to get to the stage, underscoring her commitment to performing for her fans.
In her candid interview, Wilson also discussed the broader implications of her rise to fame, noting that it has been an adjustment—not just for her, but for those around her. She shared her observations that certain individuals, including people who have known her for years, have begun to treat her differently. “People who like, you know Lainey, not Lainey Wilson. Like, ‘hello, it’s me,’” she remarked, highlighting the unexpected shifts in relationships that often accompany success.
For Wilson, the realisation that fame can change dynamics with long-time friends has sometimes felt more difficult for them than for her. “It’s more of an adjustment for them than it is me, sometimes,” she stated, reflecting on how the essence of her identity remains unchanged despite her growing recognition in the music industry.
The conversation also turned to valuable lessons Wilson has learned from fellow musicians. She recounted a particularly memorable exchange with Keith Urban, who offered her a mix of light-hearted and serious advice during a chance meeting. Feeling fatigued after an exhausting tour—having played over 180 shows in a year—she approached Urban to express her weariness. His response was a playful admonition: “No whining on the yacht,” which elicited a good-natured reaction from Wilson.
However, Urban didn’t stop there. Wilson also shared a more contemplative piece of wisdom he imparted: “It’s better to maintain balance than always be trying to achieve it.” This sentiment has resonated deeply with her, encouraging her to focus on finding what works for her personally and to strive for a healthy work-life balance. “Once you do [lose balance], and you’re kind of lopsided, then it’s hard to get back,” she explained, emphasising the importance of maintaining equilibrium amid the demands of her career.
As she navigates the complexities of fame, Wilson remains grounded in her identity and committed to her music. With her humorous anecdotes and thoughtful insights, she continues to connect with her audience, revealing the personal side of life as a country music star. As she gears up for more performances, it is clear that Lainey Wilson cherishes both her craft and the relationships that shape her journey, ensuring that her roots remain intact as she climbs higher in the music industry.