Lainey Wilson Reveals Recognition That ‘Takes the Cake’ After Her 2024 Major (Exclusive)

• Lainey Wilson’s Wildflowers and Wild Horses Tour is coming to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 14th
• The country star opens up to PEOPLE about her huge 2024
• “I’m not going to lie, the recognition is great,” says Wilson after winning the Grammy and CMA Awards

For Lainey Wilson, it’s the little things that keep her grounded.

“Makes me feel like Lainey: the sister, the friend, the daughter, the aunt and the dog mom and all those things,” the “Heart Like a Truck” singer tells PEOPLE. “As long as I can do that, I can be the best version of the artist I’m trying to be.”

Her latest album released in August, Whirlwindaptly named. It reflects the country music artist’s riveting career over the past year.

“The country is having its moment, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement,” says Wilson, 32.

The star recently wrapped up his Country’s Cool Again Tour with over 35 shows. Last month, she co-hosted the 2024 CMA Awards with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning days before a Thanksgiving NFL halftime show to a packed crowd in Dallas and millions watching at home.

“I get nervous before anything, whether I’m singing to 20 people, 200 (or) 40 million households tuned in to the Dallas Cowboys game,” Wilson says. “If I stop getting nervous, I’ll have something to worry about.”

And her year is not over. On December 14, she got Wild flowers and wild horses The tour stops at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. T-Mobilethe show’s official wireless partner, gives customers exclusive access to preferred tickets – even at sold-out shows. The company’s Magenta status customers get VIP access to artists and events, such as Wilson’s Magenta Saloon pop-up this weekend.

Before Klokkebundsland musician, this upcoming performance will be a full-circle moment.

“We bring out Mae Estes and Tracy Lawrencewhich is really cool to think that Tracy Lawrence is going to be on my show bill, says the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer. “He took me on the road with him about three years ago and I remember him standing on the side of the stage watching every single one of my performances.”

Wilson’s meteoric rise from opener to headliner has not been easy. For her and many other women in the industry, it is difficult to climb the ranks.

“There’s a shift happening, I would say. I’m hearing more female artists being talked about. I still feel like we’re not quite there,” Wilson says. so hard to break through – can they stand the test of time.”

In March, Wilson told Billboard Country girls have a lot to say – and she’s telling PEOPLE they’re here to stay.

“The ones that break through right now, they’re going to be around for a long time,” says Wilson. “It’s good to see the girls come through.”

Wilson’s career does not come without its fair share of recognition. Earlier this year, she earned a Grammy for Best Country Album and earned another nod in the same category for the 2025 ceremony. She also won the 2024 CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year — even on the same night she hosted.

“I’m not going to lie, the recognition is great,” explains Wilson. “It gives me that little extra notch in my belt and encouragement to keep doing what I’m doing.”

But there’s one accolade that “takes the cake,” according to Wilson.

“Being invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry this past year is better than any award I could ever receive,” she says. “The Grand Ole Opry is a magical place. My parents took me there when I was nine years old.”

She adds, “I remember where I was sitting and who I saw and feeling like so much of country music history has happened in that place and so many people have walked through that door that paved the way for me.”

For 2025, Wilson has a lot more in store. She’s already got a head start on a new batch of music, and she kicks her off Whirlwind European tour on March 4 with a stop in Zurich.

“We’re going back to London and Germany and Scotland and all those amazing places,” says Wilson.

Tickets for wild flowers and wild horses Tour stop in Las Vegas is for sale now.