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Lainey Wilson, a country music singer known for her unique "bell-bottom country" style, became one of The Voice's most recognizable contestants. But her journey to the spotlight wasn't easy. Although she is incredibly successful today, Wilson has faced numerous rejections in the world of country music.
She auditioned for The Voice seven times. Her frequent rejections were all part of her greater journey, one that made her not only a successful recording artist but also a trusted advisor on the show's season 26, where her episode premieres Monday, November 25 at 8/7c on NBC. Remembering those struggles, Wilson said,
“I didn’t even make it to, like, the part where they turn the chairs around. I’ve got family members who are like, ‘She’s finally on The Voice!’”
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Lainey Wilson's audition journey on The Voice
Lainey Wilson auditioned for The Voice seven times before she found success. Despite her clear talent, Wilson could not make it past the early stages of the competition, where contestants perform for the celebrity coaches. Sharing a moment of realization as she spoke with Reba McEntire, who had invited her to be a Playoff Advisor for the current season, she recalled,
“I tried out seven times...It’s pretty crazy!””
Wilson’s repeated rejections on the show were tough, but they became a driving force for her. Reba, echoing Wilson’s sentiment about the importance of persistence, said,
"That shows you, if you want something, you’ve gotta fight for it. You gotta stay in there. You’re gonna get a lot of ‘Nos,’That’s what we keep telling everybody when we have to make decisions!”
Her persistence paid off in the end. After years of hard work and dedication, Wilson released her breakthrough album Sayin' What I'm Thinkin’ in 2021, which included the hit single Things a Man Oughta Know. This marked her rise as one of the top stars in country music, with multiple chart-topping singles and major industry accolades.
Lainey Wilson's role as Playoff Advisor on The Voice
Wilson’s involvement with the show didn’t end with her auditions. In season 26, she returned to the show not as a contestant but as a Playoff Advisor for Team Reba. This marked a full-circle moment in her journey from an aspiring artist to a mentor helping other up-and-coming stars. Reba reminded Wilson,
“You tried out for The Voice seven times...and look where you are now!”
Wilson’s role as a Playoff Advisor allowed her to guide and mentor artists during the Playoffs round, a critical stage where contestants face their final opportunity to impress the coaches. She shared her own experience of rejection to inspire the artists she was working with.
“But hey — it just kinda lit a fire under me, and I said, ‘You gotta keep on going, you know.”
Fans can tune in to see Lainey Wilson in her role as Playoff Advisor, offering her expertise and support to Reba McEntire's team of talented artists.
The Voice season 26 airs new episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on NBC. Fans can also catch up on missed episodes via Peacock, the streaming service that offers next-day access to all episodes.
