Lainey Wilson has emerged as one of country music’s brightest stars in recent years, and there’s little doubt that her association with the hit television series Yellowstone played a role in elevating her profile. Her songs began appearing in the show during its second season, long before she stepped into a recurring role in season 5 as a country singer—essentially playing a version of herself. Still, it’s clear Wilson’s rise isn’t solely due to her screen time. With her powerhouse vocals, charming Louisiana twang, and unshakable drive, she likely would have made it to the top with or without the Taylor Sheridan connection.

Nonetheless, Yellowstone provided a major boost—first by showcasing her music, and then by launching her acting debut. These moments have introduced her to a wider audience and helped cement her identity in both music and television.

Wilson recalls the pivotal moment when Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan approached her with a unique proposition. “He said, ‘I want to build a character around you. I want you to wear your bell bottoms, sing your own songs, and just be yourself,’” she shares. For Wilson, it felt like Sheridan was handing her a platform to truly connect her name and face for viewers.

Although acting was new territory for her, Wilson embraced the challenge. “I had never really done anything like that,” she admits. “Sure, I pretended to be Hannah Montana in school, but I never had to memorize lines or do scripted scenes—especially those onscreen kisses!” She credits the welcoming atmosphere on set for helping her adjust, though she jokes that if an actor suddenly decided to switch careers and start singing country music, she might tell them to “get in line.”

In her fifth season appearance, Yellowstone featured songs from her acclaimed album Bell Bottom Country, including the fan-favorite “Watermelon Moonshine.” However, one track stands out for its direct link to the show: “Smell Like Smoke.” This original song, now being submitted for Emmy consideration, was written specifically with Yellowstone in mind.

Wilson explains that when writing for the show, she and her co-writers aimed for a broader emotional tone rather than lyrics that directly tie into the plot. “I didn’t want it to be too literal,” she says. “The songs they usually pick aren’t overly specific. But I wanted it to be strong and gritty—when I think of Yellowstone, I think of heartache, cowboys, faith, resilience, and facing hard times head-on.”

While “Smell Like Smoke” was written for Yellowstone, it still resonates deeply with Wilson’s personal style. “That raw, unapologetic voice—that’s what I try to bring into my music anyway. Songs like ‘Heart Like a Truck’ are about surviving and owning your story.” She also noted that she thought about characters like Beth and Monica—not because the song tells their exact stories, but because of the emotional strength they embody.

With “Smell Like Smoke” now in the running for awards, Wilson is embracing every aspect of her journey—from singer to actress to songwriter for a series that has helped amplify her message. Whether on screen or in the studio, she continues to tell stories that are rugged, real, and undeniably her own.