Lainey Wilson Leads the Pack in Style (and Nominations!) at the 2023 CMA Awards
The country superstar holds nine nominations — more than any other artist — and wore a fancy twist on her signature bell bottoms for country music's biggest night
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Lainey Wilson might be breaking new ground at the 2023 CMA Awards, but her style isn’t changing.
The country star — who racked up a record nine nominations this year — wore stayed true to her love of bell bottoms for country music's biggest night, but this time with a festive twist.
Wilson stepped out in a head-turning black strapless jumpsuit with mega-flare legs featuring black satin ruffles. She teamed the look with a matching cowboy hat and statement jewels.
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Speaking to PEOPLE in August, Wilson explained her signature style: “I thought, ‘What could I wear that would make me feel like I could take on the whole dang world?’ For me, it's bell-bottoms.”
The retro style has found its way onto many red carpets thanks to Wilson. This year, the "Heart Like a Truck" singer rocked bell-bottoms at the first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards, as well as at the 2023 ACM Awards (where she debuted her new relationship with Devlin 'Duck' Hodges). Hodges was also by her side for country music's biggest night, coordinating with her at the CMA Awards in all black.
Leah Puttkammer/FilmMagic
Wilson opted for a velvet version of the look at last year's CMA Awards, during which she celebrated her six nominations — the most of any artist that year. Wilson ultimately brought home awards for female vocalist of the year and new artist of the year.
Check out PEOPLE's full CMA Awards coverage to get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
Tonight, Wilson leads the pack again, with more nominations than any other artist.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Country Music Association announced two early wins for Wilson. Her "Wait in the Truck" collaboration with HARDY won the musical event of the year and music video of the year.
Her other nominations include female vocalist of the year and entertainer of the year. Wilson will also perform at the event, along with artists including Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Wallen.
Related: At CMAs, Lainey Wilson Celebrates Her Biggest Win, Her Dad's Presence: 'It Truly Is a Miracle'
“It’s like a continuous leveling up this year,” Wilson told PEOPLE of her career trajectory. “As soon as we reach a certain place and we’ve kind of arrived, it seems like we almost have to shift immediately and level up another way.”
A lot has changed since Wilson moved to Nashville in a camper trailer in 2011. She lived in the vehicle for three years while she passed out demos and CDs “up and down Music Row.”
Now, the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer is one of country music’s biggest names.
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“I grew up in a town where country music is life: We eat, sleep and breathe it,” Wilson told PEOLE. “I have loved it with my entire heart, and I feel like country music is finally starting to love me back.”
The 2023 CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream exclusively on Hulu the following day.
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