Photo:Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Lainey Wilsonmight be breaking new ground at the2023 CMA Awards, but her style isn’t changing.
The country star — who racked up a record nine nominations this year — wore stayed true to her love of bell bottoms for country music’s biggest night, but this time with a festive twist.
Wilson stepped out in a head-turning black strapless jumpsuit with mega-flare legs featuring black satin ruffles. She teamed the look with a matching cowboy hat and statement jewels.
Speaking to PEOPLE in August, Wilson explained hersignature style: “I thought, ‘What could I wear that would make me feel like I could take on the whole dang world?’ For me,it’s bell-bottoms.”
Leah Puttkammer/FilmMagic
Wilson opted for a velvet version of the look at last year’s CMA Awards, during which she celebrated her six nominations —the most of any artistthat year. Wilson ultimatelybrought homeawards for female vocalist of the year and new artist of the year.
Check out PEOPLE’s full CMA Awards coverage to get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
Tonight, Wilson leads the pack again, with more nominations than any other artist.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Country Music Associationannouncedtwo early wins for Wilson. Her “Wait in the Truck” collaboration with HARDY won the musical event of the year and music video of the year.
Her other nominations include female vocalist of the year and entertainer of the year. Wilson will also perform at the event,along with artistsincludingKelsea BalleriniandMorgan Wallen.
Lainey Wilson and her dad, Brian Wilson, at the 2022 CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee.Jason Davis/WireImage
“It’s like a continuous leveling up this year,”Wilson told PEOPLEof her career trajectory. “As soon as we reach a certain place and we’ve kind of arrived, it seems like we almost have to shift immediately and level up another way.”
A lot has changed since Wilson moved to Nashville in a camper trailer in 2011. She lived in the vehicle for three years while she passed out demos and CDs “up and down Music Row.”
Now, the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer is one of country music’s biggest names.
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Lainey Wilson performs at the 2023 CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas.Jason Kempin/Getty
“I grew up in a town where country music is life: We eat, sleep and breathe it,” Wilson told PEOLE. “I have loved it with my entire heart, and I feel like country music is finally starting to love me back.”
source: people.com
