Lainey Wilson, a prominent figure in the country music scene, is shining a spotlight on her remarkable journey from modest beginnings to stardom. In a recent cover story for PEOPLE, the 33-year-old singer discusses her teenage years spent impersonating the beloved Disney character, Hannah Montana, and how those experiences have shaped her music career today.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/lainey-wilson-miley-cyrus-hannah-montana-impersonator-041426-11a1299e7b12481daad63227be0fef28.jpg)
Reflecting on her childhood, Wilson reveals how she entertained audiences with a portable sound system rather than the lavish lifestyle often associated with pop stardom. “I didn’t have the Malibu mansion, but I had a little portable sound system,” she states. These humble beginnings laid the groundwork for her dedication to pursuing music. Clips of her past performances as Hannah Montana will be featured in her upcoming Netflix documentary, “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool,” which is set to be released on 22nd April.
In a delightful coincidence, Wilson’s documentary coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana, a celebration marked by Miley Cyrus. “It’s crazy that we’re putting this documentary out, and it shows a little bit of my Hannah Montana journey, and then Miley did her Hannah-versary,” Wilson comments, highlighting the serendipitous timing.
During the premiere of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special in Los Angeles on 23rd March, Wilson had the opportunity to connect with Cyrus. The two artists share a unique bond, as Wilson reflected on their contrasting paths. “Miley knows about my Hannah Montana journey, and I’m very aware of hers. Ours looked very different,” she says, adding that her own experiences involved numerous birthday parties across several states rather than the glamorous lifestyle depicted in the show.
Wilson has expressed how Cyrus has embraced her past impersonation of the character. “Miley absolutely loves that I impersonated Hannah. I told her it inspired me to go after my dreams, to pursue my own path as an artist,” she shares. This drive saw young Lainey travelling to Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, performing wherever she could, even before she was of driving age.
These formative years helped instil a strong work ethic in Wilson. “The grind taught me a lot. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was going to be fun,” she recalls. Her perseverance eventually paid off when she landed her first major label contract in 2018. Since then, she has rapidly risen to prominence, not only securing a Grammy but also achieving nine No. 1 hits on country radio and landing a recurring role on the acclaimed Paramount series “Yellowstone.”
Wilson reflects on her journey, acknowledging the unpredictability of her career trajectory. “Even 15 years in Nashville could not prepare me for the way my career exploded,” she admits. Her upcoming headlining performance at the Stagecoach music festival in Indio, California, marks another exciting chapter in her blossoming career.
Lainey Wilson’s experiences serve as a reminder of the dedication required to achieve success in the music industry. With palpable pride, she states, “At the end of the day, I think little Lainey would be very proud of big Lainey.” This sentiment captures the essence of her journey, which has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, shaped by her unwavering passion for music.
For those wishing to gain further insights into Lainey Wilson’s life and career, the latest issue of PEOPLE will be available for purchase nationwide from Friday, promising readers an intimate look into the life of this country music sensation.