Lainey Wilson is officially CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year.

The “Heart Like A Truck” singer will be honored at the upcoming 2022 CMT Artists of the Year event, CMT announced on Wednesday (October 5). Wilson’s latest award comes after massively-successful singles — including her smash-hit collaboration with Cole Swindell, “Never Say Never” — and as she gets ready to release her highly-anticipated sophomore album, Bell Bottom Country. She’s also set to make her debut on Yellowstone in the show’s next season, set to premiere next month. CMT notes that Wilson is in good company, following previous Breakout Artist of the Year honorees Mickey Guyton (2021), Ashley McBryde (2019), Kelsea Ballerini (2016), and Chris Stapleton (2015).

“Holy moly…I’m so honored to be named this years’ CMT Breakout Artist of the Year!” Wilson gushed as she shared the news on her social media channels. “I am so appreciative of my [CMT] fam and all of their support over the years… it makes this moment feel that much sweeter and I can’t wait to celebrate on Oct. 14!”

“This past year has been a wild ride,” Wilson added in a statement, per CMT. “To be considered for this award reinforces that the years of hard work my team and I have put in was all worth it. The team at CMT feels like family, and the way they genuinely support artists on their platform is so special and important for dreamers like me.”

Wilson is set to receive the award amid a busy month of performances. She shared a list of upcoming shows this October, and announced “BIG plans” for her album release weekend. Wilson will perform her entire album live in Omaha, Nebraska, hosting an in-person event and a livestream on October 27. She’ll follow that event with a Bell Bottom Country virtual listening party, inviting fans to “tune in from anywhere worldwide as we listen to the album together! I’ll tell y’all some of the stories behind the songs and answer any and all of y’all’s questions.” Bell Bottom Country — which includes previously-released tracks “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Heart Like A Truck” and “Live Off” — is set to release on October 28.

“Not only is she a powerhouse performer and tremendously gifted songwriter with contagious energy and drive, she is just starting to show the world her range and versatility, as evident by her upcoming role on hit series 'Yellowstone,’” CMT’s Leslie Fram said in a statement. “From naming her as part of the ‘Next Women of Country’ franchise in 2019 to watching her shine on our CMT Music Awards stage with one of the most memorable performances this year, we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate Lainey’s much-deserved successes and cheer her on for all that’s next!”

Other honorees will include Alan Jackson, who is set to receive the Artist of a Lifetime award, along with several other Artists of the Year: Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Walker Hayes. The ceremony is set to take place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s happening on Friday, October 14. CMT noted that additional honorees, performers and presenters will be announced.

Brooke Taylor

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