From living in a camper trailer to selling out arenas around the world, Lainey Wilson knows a thing or two about hardship and success.  

It’s easy to assume Wilson’s popularity was a straight shot to the top, especially with 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, a Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year title and a Grammy for Best Country Album under her belt. However, those accolades are the result of years of unwavering dedication and Louisiana-earned grit.  

Amid the chaos of midterm exams and deadlines, Wilson’s performance served as a much-needed reminder that there’s hope somewhere over the rainbow, or as she would say, “Somewhere Over Laredo.” 

Starting off the show was Gen-Z’s country music Justin Bieber, Maddox Batson. This was the Tennessee native’s first time performing at Bridgestone Arena, a huge accomplishment to have at age 15. To celebrate this milestone, Batson played his newly released single “Coincidence.” With his Morgan Wallen-esque style and charm, Batson won over the hearts of teenage and adolescent girls waiting for Wilson.  

Next up, the Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline brought their southern-rock edge with tracks like “Devil Died in Dixie” and “Rattlesnake Ridge.” 

Later in the show, they rejoined Wilson for an acoustic rendition of “Pieces,” which was awarded a RIAA-Certified Gold plaque live on stage.  

“This is a long way away from playing in the janitor’s closet,” Wilson said. 

The moment not only celebrated their collective commercial success but also honored how far both acts have come from being aspiring artists to now commanding one of Nashville’s biggest stages. 

In true cowgirl fashion, Wilson captured the audience like a lassoed mustang with her first song of the night, “Whirlwind.”  

The night was for the girls, as Wilson encouraged all the ladies in the crowd to sing the bridge of “Hold My Halo.” 

“For heaven’s sake, I need a good time / Lord knows it ain’t no crime to leave a little lipstick red on a solo,” Wilson sang.  

In a powerful celebration of female artistry, Wilson brought out Ella Langley for a moving duet of “Good Horses.” As the two forces make “Country Cool Again,” their harmonies embodied the spirit of female independence.  

Singing hits like “Heart Like A Truck” and “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” Wilson challenged the stereotype that country music is all about trucks and beer. Instead, her lyrics offer a raw look at country, Southern living through a female lens. After all, it was her single “Things A Man Oughta Know” that helped launched her to stardom. 

“I can hang a picture same as I can take it down / And how to keep it hidden when a heart gets broke / Yeah, I know a few things a man oughta know,” Wilson sings in “Things A Man Oughta Know.” 

During her acoustic set, Wilson brought out close friend and fellow songwriter ERNEST. Known for his work with Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and Thomas Rhett, ERNEST joined Wilson for their 90s-style duet of “Would If I Could” from his album “NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.”  

Taking a page from Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” playbook, Wilson also crowned a young fan with a hat as “cowgirl of the night.”

“I’ll tell you what Nashville, Tennessee, I don’t know where in the world we’d be without the cowgirls,” Wilson said. 

Wilson’s endearing interactions with young fans cemented her influence as a role model for the next generation of cowgirls — a sentiment that surprise-guest Jelly Roll echoed and praised. 

As one of the night’s biggest surprises, the crowd erupted with Jelly Roll and Wilson performing “Save Me.” After their emotional duo, Jelly Roll took the time to praise Wilson for her impact on young girls and advocated for her CMA Entertainer of the Year nomination, to which the crowd responded with a supportive cheer.  

Wilson is a testament to work ethic, heart and authenticity in an industry that often underestimates talented women. Her presence at Bridgestone wasn’t just a concert; it was a homecoming and reminder that dreams can come true. 

“I’ve sat in almost every single one of these seats and every single corner of this place … I’ve been here for 14 years, and it’s always been a dream of mine to be headlining this place,” Wilson said. 

Even with a busy schedule ahead of me, Wilson reminded me that a “Heart Like A Truck” can drive through anything — exams and deadlines included.