Louisiana’s Lainey Wilson: New song, 2 awards, an Opry invite and more all went down in May

Think you had a busy May?

Take a look at the newsworthy happenings in Louisiana country artist Lainey Wilson’s world last month:

May 13

The multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter releases a new single, “Hang Tight Honey,” via Broken Bow Records. This one gives fans their first sampling of Wilson’s album “Whirlwind,” scheduled to drop Aug. 23.

Wilson, Driver Williams, Jason Nix and Paul Sikes wrote “Hang Tight Honey,” which was produced by Grammy-winning producer Jay Joyce.

“Rooted in the spirit of hardworking women, empowerment and resilience, ‘Hang Tight Honey’ blends country with elements of ’70s funk and rock into Wilson’s signature sound …,” according to a news release from BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. “With its infectious groove and empowering lyrics, the song celebrates the strength and tenacity of women while also infusing a fresh, contemporary vibe.”

May 16

The Baskin native who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, opens the “Academy of Country Music Awards” show in Frisco, Texas, with a cover of Little Texas’ “God Bless Texas,” then segues into “Hang Tight Honey.”

But that isn’t even the biggest news of the night — Wilson takes home both the biggie Entertainer of the Year award and Female Artist of the Year honors. In addition, she shares the Music Event of the Year award with Jelly Roll for their collaboration “Save Me.”

May 19

The singing star celebrates her 32nd birthday.

May 21

Wilson adds to the Louisiana flavor on NBC’s “The Voice’s” season finale along with finalist and Mandeville native Karen Waldrup, who finishes the competition in fifth place.

It’s another “twofer” evening for Wilson, again with rousing, rocking performance of “Hang Tight Honey.”

The huge surprise comes after the clapping dies down, as coach/judge/country queen Reba McEntire steps on stage.

“I have heard that I’ve inspired you and what you’ve done so far, and I’m thrilled to death that I had anything to do with your career ’cause you’ve blown it up,” McIntire began. “I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that continues to bridge the gap between our generations, to keep them all goin’. I’d like to be the person to invite you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Wilson’s unpolished response: “Holy Moly!”

The Louisiana star will step into the circle at legendary Nashville stage at 9:30 p.m. Friday for her first time as an Opry member. Also on the bill are Terri Clark, Meg McCree, Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills and Wynona.

May 29

“Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country” begins streaming on Hulu. The ABC News Studios production “follows the 32-year-old country music sensation’s meteoric rise from a humble small town to sold-out arena tours,” the Hulu website states.

The special includes footage of Wilson backstage prior to a previous Opry appearance, and a one-on-one with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts.

May 31

Wilson’s new Bell Bottoms Up Bar opens in downtown Nashville, 120 S. Third Ave.. The three-story, 27,000-square-foot building was formerly home to FGL (Florida Georgia Line) House.

There are two stages, four bars and a ’70s western-themed rooftop space.

She says the bar’s cuisine will be a nod to her native Louisiana, but one of the desserts is all-American — skillet chocolate chip cookie. The menu includes broiled oysters, Lainey’s Caesar salad and crawfish crabcake sliders. Save room for crême brûlé, or the aforementioned cookie (with peanut butter sauce, hot fudge, Reese’s peanut butter cups and French vanilla ice cream).

That night, her “Country’s Cool Again” tour kicks off in Music City, with shows Friday and Saturday. Country buddies Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll and Keith Urban join her on stage. The tour, with 39 stops, will wrap up with back-to-back concerts Nov. 15 and 16 in Monroe.

For more, visit laineywilson.com.