Lainey Wilson Reflects On “Living 10 Years in One” In 2023

Lainey Wilson / Facebook

Country singer and songwriter Lainey Wilson achieved massive success in 2023.

2023 was a big year for country music, but few artists had a bigger year than Lainey Wilson. It is safe to say that the Louisiana native achieved superstar status last year, with countless awards wins, even more nominations, and many milestones reached. 

On December 31st, Wilson shared a heartfelt post reflecting on the monumental year and calling it “the year of living ten years in one.”

Lainey Wilson says there were moments when she could “barely put one foot in front of the other.”

In the post shared to social media, Lainey recalled quotes her family used to say like “strike when the iron’s hot” and “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” She said she had to remind herself of those throughout the year, adding: 

“I had to put myself back into the shoes of that little girl who wanted this more than anything because the truth is.. there have been moments I was so worn out I could barely put one foot in front of the other. I had to pull myself up by the bootstraps just like anybody who wants something bad enough. It’s work and I’m blessed I was raised to work because dreams don’t just come true without digging in and without the right people around you lifting you up and always reminding of the truth.” 

Lainey Wilson expresses gratitude for those who helped get her to where she is now. 

Lainey continued in her post: 

“Thank you to my team who has been fighting for me for years and for doing all the things we said we would do. Thank you to my family for tracking me down to spend time with me and for answering my FaceTimes several times a day. Thank you to my friends who have understood that I couldn’t be totally present at times and for loving me anyway. And thank you to my fans. I have a love so deep for y’all. It is hard to put into words. I want to feel like I know y’all and I want y’all to feel like you know me. Thank you for allowing me to tell my story and somehow finding yours within the song.” 

A look back at some of Lainey Wilson’s biggest moments of 2023: 

Lainey Wilson has been gaining momentum in recent years but it seems to have amplified in 2023. She has had many songs land on the Billboard charts, but her hit “Watermelon Moonshine” made history when it occupied the no.1 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart for two consecutive weeks – making her the first solo female artist to accomplish this in over years. 

During awards season, Lainey Wilson’s name was on just about every nominee list. She won three trophies at the first annual People’s Choice Country Awards and led with the most CMA Award nominations, earning a total of nine. She is only the fourth artist in CMA history to earn nine or more nominations in one year. 

Finally, in a fitting way to end a tremendous year, Lainey Wilson took home the coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year award. 

Relive one of our favorite Lainey Wilson performances of 2023 below!