Lainey Wilson Prepares for 'Emotional' Grand Ole Opry Performance: '9-Year-Old Lainey Would Be Freaking Out'
The country music star gives a behind-the-scenes look at her past year in the upcoming special 'Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country'
Lainey Wilson is forever grateful.
The country music star, 32, is the subject of ABC News' brand new special, Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country, which gives an inside look at her past year on and off the stage.
In an exclusive preview clip shared with PEOPLE, viewers see Wilson preparing to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in February — something she doesn't take for granted.
"The amount of people that have come through here, the amount of people who have stood on the stage, who have been in these green rooms. I'm nervous right now," says Wilson as she prepares backstage.
"I don't think I ever come to the Opry and play and not have those butterflies. Nine-year-old Lainey would be freaking out right now," she adds. "It kind of makes me emotional. Y'all are going to see me cry again."
After getting a few last-minute notes, the crowd is seen cheering as the curtains rise for Wison's performance.
The forthcoming special was developed by ABC News Studios' production unit, led by Robin Roberts.
ABC News
Robin Roberts and Lainey Wilson“I look forward to telling stories about talented women who are strong and authentic. Lainey is definitely one of those women, and I can’t wait to share her uplifting story with audiences around the world,” Roberts, 63, shared in a statement.
Wilson, who became the Academy of Country Music Awards' entertainer of the year earlier this month, said participating in the special was an "honor."
“It’s such an honor to be a part of this project," said Wilson in a statement. "Thank you to Robin and ABC News Studios for helping bring light to my story throughout the past year. I can’t wait for everyone to watch.”
Tyler Golden/NBC
Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson on 'The Voice'The special will premiere days before Wison gets officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, June 7.
Wilson was presented with the invitation to become an official member by Reba McEntire following her performance on The Voice finale.
Somebody pinch me…I’m going to become a member of the @opry on June 7! 🥹😭 This is the moment little Lainey dreamed about ever since her first trip to Nashville. Thank you @reba & @NBCTheVoice for the surprise of a lifetime. https://t.co/MxNNvfjqA5
— Lainey Wilson (@laineywilson) May 22, 2024
“Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up,” McEntire, 69, told a visibly emotional Wilson onstage.
“I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations," she continued. "I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry."
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Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country begins streaming on Hulu on Wednesday, May 29.
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