As a high school student in Baskin, Louisiana (population 211), Lainey Wilson’s first paid theatrical gig included performing the role of Hannah Montana on a flatbed trailer.
The 30-year-old country singer-songwriter recalls the surreal feeling, and years later, she would perform her song “Watermelon Moonshine” for a scene in Paramount’s “Yellowstone” — on a flatbed trailer in Montana.
“I’m on this flat stage singing again, but not in my Hannah Montana wig. And I thought, Dang, this is a complete moment for me,” says Wilson. “And I’m singing ‘Watermelon Moonshine,’ a song about young, wild, crazy love.”
Love gets wilder and crazier for Wilson, who made her acting debut as free-spirited musician Abby in the season 5 premiere of “Yellowstone” last month.
Sunday’s episode of TV’s #1 featured “Moonshine,” before Abby descended from the flat stage to spark a passionate romance with big ranch hand Ryan (Ian Bohen), who’s engaged to Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, who’s now the governor of Montana.
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What Wilson lacked in experience for her first onscreen kiss, she made up for with same The determination and enthusiasm that fueled the country music star in 2022. The scene is smoking.
“I didn’t really know what I was doing, but you get in there first. I was going to give people their money’s worth,” says Wilson. “I told my mom and dad, ‘You might not want to watch this show.’ I don’t want to be on their prayer list.”
Wilson pays tribute to “Yellowstone” creator and executive producer Taylor Sheridan, a longtime supporter who put her song “Overtime Work” in the first episode of Season 2 before the rookie landed a recording contract.
Her music appeared frequently on Paramount series before Sheridan brought it up. He told Wilson in February that he wanted to create the character of Abby specifically for the bell-ringing performance artist.
“[Sheridan]said he wanted me to be very much myself, which is a dream come true, especially when you’re trying to present yourself to people,” says Wilson. “All I got from him at the time was I’m going to play a musician who falls in love with one of the boys. He didn’t even tell me which.”
A devastating family health saga nearly derails her dream job: Wilson is nearly called off when her father, Brian, is placed in the intensive care unit with a fungal infection. From his hospital bed, her father insisted that Wilson operate.
“He said, ‘I don’t care if it’s my funeral,'” says Wilson. If you have work to do, you better do it. And don’t come back until you’re done.” “I packed my bags. It gave me the strength to do so. But I’m not going to lie, I’ll catch my sight, go to the corner and cry a little.”
Wilson’s first scene was “Yellowstone” opposite feisty Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), which added to the pressure. But Riley, a fan of Wilson’s music, was supportive.
“I told[Riley]when I met her, ‘I thought you were going to get me in trouble,’” says Wilson. “But we were just fine. She even gave me some handmade bath salts.”
During this friendly scene, Abby vows never to date a cowboy. But there were sparks and a dance full of smiles between Abby and Ryan Ryan in recent episodes, anyway, a flirtation that turned into full flames on Sunday.
Wilson won’t say how long the love will last, but she does admit that she had to learn to kiss despite the hindrances of wide-brimmed cowboy hats. “It’s definitely about tilting the head to one side; the angles are very important,” says Wilson. “And there’s another kiss coming where I take my hat off. That’s when you know you’re coming down to it.”
The country star keeps busy with her music career which has skyrocketed. Four days before the season premiere of “Yellowstone,” Wilson brought her then-recovering dad to be her date to the CMA Awards on Nov. 9, where she took home awards for best new artist and singer.
“Yellowstone” is a semi-weekly showcase of her new album, “Bell Bottom Country,” which was released on October 28. Wilson announced a 27-city tour starting January 4.
“The crazy part is we’re just getting started,” says Wilson. “We work hard just to work harder. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves.” “I’m trying all these new things, even ‘Yellowstone,’ my first acting gig. I’m excited to see what’s next.”
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