Lainey Wilson Pays It Forward, Mentors Rising Star Ella Langley
Lainey Wilson’s rise from a small-town dreamer living in a camper trailer to ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, GRAMMY winner, and Grand Ole Opry member has been nothing short of remarkable. Along the way, she leaned on the wisdom of country powerhouses like Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd, who offered guidance through the highs and lows of the music business.
Now at the peak of her career, Wilson is committed to doing the same for others. One of the artists she’s taken under her wing is rising star Ella Langley, a talent Wilson calls “like a sister.”
Passing on Wisdom
Speaking with Country Nights Live with Bev Rainey, Wilson reflected on how vital mentorship has been in her own journey.
“Miranda was that person for me, and she’s that person for Ella too,” Wilson said. “I think about all the wisdom people like Miranda, Reba, and Wynonna poured into me. You’ve got to pass that on — you can’t keep it for yourself.”
She added that she checks in with Langley often and sees her as one of the most gifted young artists in country music today: “It’s important for me to be there if she needs me.”
Ella Langley Opens Up
Langley, who is currently on a break from touring after canceling her August shows, has spoken openly about the challenges of sudden success. Earlier this year, she admitted to Wilson and Lambert that she struggled with imposter syndrome as her career took off, especially when she found herself nominated alongside them.
“I was like, ‘My imposter syndrome… how can I be in the same category as you two?’” Langley recalled. Both Wilson and Lambert offered reassurance, just as others once did for them.
@withbevrainey Country queens lift each other up. 👑 Lainey’s got Ella’s back! #CountryNightsLive #LaineyWilson #BevRainey #EllaLangley #WomenInCountry @Lainey Wilson @Ella Langley ♬ original sound – Country Nights Live
Wilson’s Own Whirlwind Year
While mentoring the next generation, Wilson continues to blaze her own trail. She recently kicked off her Whirlwind World Tour and released the Whirlwind (Deluxe) project. In addition to the original 14 tracks, the expanded edition features five new songs: “Bell Bottoms Up,” “King Ranch, King George, King James,” “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day,” “Peace, Love, and Cowboys,” and the rising single “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
The Cycle of Support
For Wilson, the bond between women in country music is part of what keeps the genre thriving. Just as mentors like Lambert and Reba once helped her, she now sees it as her responsibility — and privilege — to guide artists like Ella Langley.
It’s a reminder that in country music, success is not only about awards or hit singles, but also about lifting others up so the next generation can shine.