Lainey Wilson.Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty
Lainey Wilsonhad a lot to celebrate Sunday night at theCMT Awards, but she also had some nerves to keep calm!
The country star, 30, caught up with PEOPLE at the event’s red carpet, where she explained that it took a little bit to get herself ready for the show — of course, before she took home two trophies.
“A few cameras down, they gave me a tequila shot and that kind of helped,” she said with a laugh. “That’ll help. A prayer and a tequila shot.”
Lainey Wilson at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.Jason Kempin/Getty
Wilson won big at the CMT Awards, leaving with victories in the collaborative video of the year category (for “Wait in the Truck” with HARDY) and female video of the year category (for her solo track “Heart Like a Truck”).
She was also nominated in the CMT performance of the year and video of the year categories, but those went toCody JohnsonandKane Brown/Katelyn Brown, respectively.
Lainey Wilson and HARDY.Jason Kempin/Getty
Also during her catch-up with PEOPLE, Wilson revealed she ran intoShania Twainat the Moody Center in Austin, Texas where the event took place — a major personal moment for her.
“That was really special,” Wilson says. “A huge influence of mine, she’s the one that I would watch on stage and she would do things outside of the box, step outside of her comfort zone. As a little girl watching that, it made me feel like I could do the same thing.”
Check out PEOPLE’s full CMT Awards coverage to get the latest news on country’s big night.
“I just met her and that’s my new bestie,” Megan said. “She’s been an outspoken ally against every hate of all kind… gender gaps, ageism, impacting inequalities against the LGBTQ+ community and more. She’s an inspiration to me and millions of others.”
Lainey Wilson.Catherine Powell
Twain started her acceptance speech with a reference to her 1997 hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” explaining that when she wrote the now-classic, she “had no idea at the time that it would become an undercurrent of a decades-long career.”
Lainey Wilson.Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
“My hope is this opportunity and spotlight impresses you much and lights up the careers of these very talented people on their journey,” she said. “I will continue to do my best as a trailblazer. Together, let’s ensure all our fellow artists get equal play regardless of gender, age or race.”
source: people.com
