Country music star Lainey Wilson is no stranger to the spotlight—but in the past couple of years, that spotlight has widened beyond her powerful vocals to include viral fame, body image conversations, and a new level of confidence. From TikTok trends to taking home top honors at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, Wilson is navigating her rising stardom with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of authenticity.
A Viral Moment That Changed Everything
It all began in late 2022 when a video of Wilson performing went viral—not for the music at first, but for her figure. Specifically, her backside became the topic of a massive internet conversation. “It was November of 2022. I was scrolling on TikTok and I noticed a few videos of my butt that had gone viral,” Wilson recalls in her new Hulu documentary, Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country. “And then the next week I was like, ‘Golly, it’s still there.’”
What might have been an awkward or even overwhelming moment for some became a turning point for Wilson, who leaned into the attention with a sense of humor and a sharp understanding of how pop culture works.
“My booty introduced my music to a lot of folks and I’m OK with that,” she told interviewers. “I think, what would Dolly Parton do?”
Channeling Dolly and Reba’s Grace
That mindset—channeling country legends like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire—is one Wilson returns to frequently. “They’d laugh about it and move on with it,” she says. And that’s exactly what she did.
Rather than spiraling into insecurity, Wilson used the viral attention as a launching pad for her message. “First of all, how did y’all just notice that I’ve got a big ‘ol butt?” she joked in her documentary. “It’s been back there the whole time.”
The internet may have arrived late to the party, but Wilson is grateful that her music reached new ears—even if it came through unconventional means. “Whatever brings the people in, I’m happy. I’m happy you’re here,” she said in a now-famous clip that resurfaced in the Hulu doc.
A Transformational Year
Fast forward to 2025, and Wilson is not only riding high on chart success but also turning heads for a new reason—her noticeably slimmer frame. Over the past year, the “Heart Like a Truck” singer quietly dropped 20 pounds, a transformation that fans began noticing in early 2023.
Although Wilson hasn’t made a spectacle of her weight loss, she’s acknowledged the change as part of a broader lifestyle shift. Insiders say she focused on health, strength, and stamina—not the number on the scale.
The results are undeniable. At the 2025 ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas, Wilson looked radiant in a stunning black beaded pantsuit trimmed with gold. Her confidence radiated just as brightly as the stage lights, especially when she later changed into a bold red pantsuit—braless and fearless—as she accepted two of the night’s biggest honors: Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
Staying Grounded Amid Fame
With a growing fan base, Grammy wins, and more eyes on her than ever, Wilson’s staying grounded by keeping her perspective intact. Her documentary makes it clear that fame hasn’t changed her priorities—it’s simply elevated her platform.
“Me gaining a few pounds or losing a few pounds, it ain’t got nothing to do with my story, me singing, or my songwriting,” she stated in an intimate moment with Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts.
That mindset has become central to Wilson’s identity. She’s not just a performer—she’s a storyteller, a truth-teller, and a woman unafraid to laugh at herself and speak directly to her fans about real issues.
Lessons in Body Image and Self-Worth
If there’s one message Wilson wants her fans to take away from her journey, it’s this: don’t let outside voices define your worth.
“Don’t go down the rabbit hole of looking at comments. I’ve learned my lesson with that,” she advised when speaking about body image and public attention.
In the world of celebrity, especially as a woman in country music, scrutiny can be harsh and unrelenting. Wilson’s response has been to keep her head high and her message focused. Whether it’s about love, heartbreak, or confidence, her lyrics and life both reflect the values she stands for.
What’s Next for Lainey Wilson?
With a hit documentary under her belt, a slew of awards in hand, and viral fame in the rearview mirror, Lainey Wilson is stepping confidently into her next chapter.
Fans can expect new music, more tour dates, and even deeper storytelling from the Louisiana native. Her style may evolve, and her image may continue to trend online, but one thing remains unchanged: Wilson is here for the long haul, and she’s bringing her authenticity with her every step of the way.
For those who first discovered her thanks to a trending TikTok, Wilson has this to say: “If you found out about my music and stuck around because of the butt or because of the music… you’re welcome!”
In true Lainey fashion, she’s not running from the moment—she’s owning it. And with every red carpet, award, and viral clip, she’s proving that staying true to yourself is the real key to success.
