Lainey Wilson on Conquering 'Imposter Syndrome' After Her Big Win as Entertainer of the Year at 2025 ACM Awards

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Immediately following her performance of the three-way duet "Trailblazer" alongside Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert, she took the stage. live debut , Lainey Wilson Was invited back to the microphone at the 2025 ACM Awards after Blake Shelton announced that she had won the top prize of the night, earning the title of entertainer of the year.

Receiving the accolade, Wilson cradled the trophy silently for several seconds, gazing at it with astonishment. "I am incredibly grateful. I have immense affection for each and every one of you in this group," she remarked about her co-nominees for Entertainer of the Year. "You've invited me on tour, collaborated with me on tracks, and backed me up however possible."

Wilson has also shared her experiences with feeling like an impostor at times. She mentioned, "I believe everyone faces some level of impostor syndrome. Recently, I came across this idea that when something comes your way, you should embrace it with both an open heart and an open mind."

Wilson recounted how being an entertainer has always been a significant part of her life since she was young. She mentioned that her sister would often create a makeshift stage for her using a spotlight at their family’s favorite hunting grounds. “I enjoy making people laugh and smile, but also eliciting tears—I must admit, I find satisfaction even in bringing about sadness,” she explained. “What really matters to me is evoking emotions in others.”

When discussing evoking emotions in listeners, Wilson envisions "Trailblazer," a track celebrating trailblazing women in country music, as something meant for family sharing. She recalls reflecting on how this song might serve as a piece that a grandmother, her daughter, and even her granddaughter could enjoy together. told Melinda Newman mentioned the song.

Aside from being named Entertainer of the Year, Wilson also claimed ACM Awards for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year ( Whirlwind and named Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

The ACM Awards are organized by Dick Clark Productions, a company owned by Penske Media Eldridge, which is a partnership between Eldridge Industries and the main entity, Penske Media Corporation.

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