Lainey Wilson’s Rise to Country Stardom: Inside Netflix’s New Documentary

Even if you’re not a country music fan, you’ve likely heard of Lainey Wilson. The Grammy-winning artist has amassed 16 Academy of Country Music Awards and nine Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and 2025.

Her star power extends beyond music—Taylor Sheridan created a role specifically for her in the final season of Yellowstone, casting her as a love interest for Ryan (Ian Bohen). The character mirrored Wilson’s signature style, and she performed several of her own songs in the role.

Netflix Documentary Chronicles Wilson’s Journey

Now, Netflix’s upcoming documentary, Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, offers an intimate look at her meteoric rise. Directed by Amy Scott—known for films like Sheryl, Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken, and Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately—the documentary traces Wilson’s path from living in a camper trailer to becoming one of country music’s most recognizable names.

Filmmaker’s Perspective on Wilson’s Career

“Musicians and artists are really fascinating to me. I like to understand how they work, how they make the things that they make, and they usually lead really unique lives.”

Scott wasn’t deeply familiar with Wilson’s work before making the film but was quickly impressed by her work ethic and charisma.

“I didn’t know a lot of her work [before I made the film]. But country is one word that means a lot of different things historically. So, I was a big fan of country, but maybe more so of older stuff. I wasn’t as familiar with her. But now we’ve spent a lot of time with her, and I love her music. I think she’s an incredible entertainer. She’s got it.”

Key Milestones in Wilson’s Career

• Released her first album in 2014.
• Signed a major label deal in 2019.
• Earned her first number one single, “Things a Man Oughta Know,” in 2020.

The documentary captures a pivotal moment in Wilson’s career, as her team explains why now was the right time to tell her story.

“There were some producers that had the idea, and they all make really cool films, and they got together with Lainey’s team and thought this might be a really interesting year to capture because she’s on this rapid ascent. And those moments are fleeting that an artist will let you come into their world and be vulnerable as they take off.”

Collaboration Behind the Scenes

While Wilson was not involved in the documentary’s creative direction or filming choices, Scott emphasizes that she and her team were highly collaborative.

“She wasn’t involved in any creative decision in terms of the film. You don’t want someone sort of dictating what you’re going to film or not. She’s extremely down to earth and very open, let us come into her world with a very small crew, who are all incredible documentarians, and we’re all filming.”