Lainey Wilson Wraps Up Her Record-Breaking Whirlwind Tour and Prepares to Host the CMA Awards
A Triumphant Finale to the Whirlwind Tour
Lainey Wilson has officially wrapped up the North American leg of her Whirlwind World Tour, closing out the biggest chapter of her touring career so far. Over the weekend, the country superstar took to social media to share a heartfelt message of gratitude with her fans.
“And just like that, the North American leg of the Whirlwind World Tour is all wrapped up,” she wrote. “I don’t even know where to begin to say thank you for making this one of the greatest highlights of my career so far. Thank you for letting me pour my heart and soul out to more than 400,000 of y’all.”
The post included photos and videos from the final shows — a collage of memories, laughter, and a few surprises that perfectly captured the tour’s joyful energy.
A Hilarious On-Stage Prank
One of the standout moments came courtesy of special guest ERNEST, who pulled off an unforgettable prank during one of the final shows. Appearing on stage dressed exactly like Lainey — blonde wig, bell bottoms, fringe jacket, and all — he left the crowd (and Lainey herself) in hysterics.
“Are you kidding me?” Lainey laughed when she saw him. “He got that from my bus — literally those pants and that jacket are from my bus, I’m gonna kill him!”
ERNEST, still in character, joked back: “If my pants don’t get back to the normal size, I’m gonna be mad as hell.”
Lainey shot back with a grin: “I definitely owe you a pair of pants.”
Tour Highlights: From Coast to Coast
The Whirlwind World Tour came to an end with back-to-back shows in Tampa (November 7) and Orlando, Florida (November 8). Across its run, the tour took Wilson to some of the most iconic venues in North America, including Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena — each stop met with sold-out crowds and roaring applause.
With her signature blend of Southern charm, powerhouse vocals, and storytelling stage presence, Lainey proved that she’s not just one of country music’s brightest stars — she’s one of its most commanding live performers.
Next Stop: The CMA Awards Stage
With her tour now complete, Wilson will return home to Nashville — but the spotlight isn’t dimming anytime soon. On Wednesday, November 19, she’ll make history as the first woman to host the CMA Awards solo since Reba McEntire in 1991.
“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl,” Lainey said in a statement. “To be hosting for a second year is a true honor. I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much.”
Leading the Pack with Six CMA Nominations
The Louisiana native heads into “Country Music’s Biggest Night” with six nominations, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year. She’ll also perform during the broadcast, joining an all-star lineup that includes Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Zach Top, and more.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19 (8:00–11:00 PM EST) on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu.
A Whirlwind Year Comes Full Circle
From commanding sold-out arenas to hosting country music’s biggest night, 2024 has been nothing short of transformative for Lainey Wilson. As she heads into the CMA Awards, one thing is clear — the whirlwind may have paused for a moment, but the storm of success around her is only just beginning.
