Reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson just released her new album Tornadoa 14-song collection of new music, and is in the midst of Country's headlining tour Cool Again.
Beyond the spotlight, the stage and the studio, she also has a steadfast supporter in her corner — her boyfriend Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL player turned real estate agent. The couple have been together since 2021, but made their red carpet debut at the ACM Awards last year.
So it's notable that some love songs are featured on her new album, including “4x4xU,” “Counting Chickens,” and “Hang Tight Honey.” However, in a recent interview with Bulletin boardfour-time No. 1; Bulletin board Country Airplay hitmaker Wilson says she shouldn't expect too many chart-topping ballads to crowd her projects.
“I don't think I'll ever be that love songwriter who's too loud,” says Wilson. “It's always going to probably be a love song that's like, 'I love you, but I can still do my thing.'
She says Hodges has had an impact on her music, noting that he listens to every song she writes. While not a musician, he offers a valuable perspective.
“Everything I ever write, he hears because he's really my best friend and he's got a great ear,” she says. “He can't sing a lick — he tries — and he's got great taste. I know if I send him a demo or a working tape and he keeps coming back and listening to it over and over, there must be something about it. He's not in the business, he's got nothing to do with it, and it's nice to be able to see what other people's opinions are because that's the listener there.”
Wilson says Hodges has been a constant supporter as her career has soared. “Luckily, I found a man who is so happy to be with a lady who can do her own thing. He's just my cheerleader,” she explains. “It makes it really easy and it's fun to be able to share that part of my life that I've kept my cards close to my chest, I guess you could say, for a while. My dad always said, “If you say all your business, you have nothing.”
In her conversation with Bulletin boardWilson also talked about making her new album, working with Miranda Lambert, the importance of mentorship and more.
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