On the Path to Success, There Are No Places for the Lazy

Country singer Lainey Wilson has opened up about the hardships she’s faced during her rise in the music industry.

On the “Artist Friendly” podcast hosted by Joel Madden, lead vocalist of Good Charlotte, Wilson, 32, shared insights into the challenges she encountered as her career progressed. She explained that success often came with setbacks, describing moments when achievements were fleeting, forcing her to start anew and adapt. She described the journey as riddled with obstacles, requiring resilience and ingenuity.

Wilson recounted her early days in Nashville, where she lived in a camper as her career was beginning to take shape. She was mentored by her hometown friend, Jerry Cupit, with whom she co-wrote music daily for three years. Tragically, in 2014, Cupit fell ill and passed away, leaving Wilson devastated. Having collaborated closely with him, the loss was a significant blow that felt like starting from scratch.

Adding to her struggles, Wilson experienced personal heartbreak, including a breakup with a man who fathered another child. She described these simultaneous hardships as “rain pouring,” but also shared how she learned to accept and grow from them.

When asked if her painful experiences were heartbreaking, Wilson responded that she now embraces heartbreak as part of her story. She reflected on how these trials have shaped her ability to adapt and find meaning in the changes in her life.

Wilson’s perseverance paid off when she won the 2023 Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year award, ending a long streak of male winners and solidifying her place in the industry.