Lainey Wilson treated crowds to an exhilarating performance at the Stagecoach Music Festival this past Saturday, April 25, marking her as a standout headline act for the event. The celebrated country singer, known for her chart-topping hits like “Watermelon Moonshine,” faced an unexpected hurdle when high winds prompted a temporary evacuation of the festival grounds, delaying her set.
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Despite the weather-related challenges, Wilson’s rescheduled performance was met with enthusiasm. Addressing the audience, she playfully quipped, “Hopefully you sat in y’all’s cars for a bit and drank some tequila,” as she expressed her gratitude for their patience during the delay. “We came to Stagecoach to have a damn good time, and that’s what we gonna do,” she assured her fans, setting the tone for an energetic concert.
This performance came shortly after the release of her Netflix documentary, “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool.” The documentary provides an intimate look into both her professional journey and personal life, including her recent engagement to former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who proposed in February 2025. In her coverage with PEOPLE, Wilson reflected on the achievements of her career, stating, “Even 15 years in Nashville could not prepare me for the way my career exploded.”
Looking back on her rise to fame, Wilson noted, “I mean, this is all I could have ever wanted and more.” Her candour extends to the challenges she has faced, particularly her struggles with mental health, which the documentary also addresses.
In the lead-up to Stagecoach, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year teased fans about her performance, hinting at the excitement that lay ahead. “It is going to be really great, and we got some surprises,” she revealed, promising an elevated show that included songs she had not performed in some time. “It’s going to be a fun show,” Wilson added, a sentiment echoed by the audience as they eagerly anticipated her arrival on stage.
Lainey Wilson’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This past year, she also released her studio album, “Whirlwind,” which garnered her a nomination for Best Country Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The album’s success contributes to her growing reputation as a leading figure in the country music scene.
In addition to her music career, Wilson made her acting debut in “Reminders of Him,” a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, where she portrayed the character Amy. This expansion into acting illustrates her versatility and commitment to her craft.
Stagecoach 2023 featured an impressive line-up, and besides Wilson, other notable headliners included Cody Johnson and Post Malone, each contributing to a festival atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie. The event is renowned for celebrating the diversity of country music and its related genres, and this year has continued that tradition.
The combination of Lainey Wilson’s engaging personality, musical talent, and inspiring narrative solidified her status as a prominent entertainer during this year’s event. Fans left the festival not only entertained but also uplifted by her vibrant performance and heartfelt connection with the audience.
As Lainey Wilson embarks on the next chapter of her career, her blend of authenticity and musicality promises to keep audiences mesmerised and looking forward to more from this rising star in the country music realm.