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Lainey Wilson reflected on her journey as an artist at the 2025 TIME100 Next Event on Thursday evening (October 30).
Wilson, 33, appeared on the TIME100 Next list alongside artists, phenoms, innovators, leaders and advocates. She kicked off toasts at the gala, which took place at The Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Wilson reflected on her passion for music beginning early in life, including her job as a Hannah Montana impersonator and how her hometown community helped shape who she is today, according to TIME’s recap of the event.
“What I’ve learned is, you can’t rush the growing season,” Wilson said. “You just have to keep showing up, you have to keep nurturing your gift, keep believing that's what is meant for you, is going to find you when it's the right time. Stay planted, water your roots. Keep searching for the light, because when your season comes, people will taste the fruit of your faith, and the world will be a better place because of it.”
Wilson, who is gearing up to host the 59th Country Music Association Awards next month, was revealed on the TIME100 Next list on September 30. She said at the time that “proud is an understatement,” and thanked fellow country superstar Miranda Lambert for her heartfelt tribute. Lambert wrote, in part, that Wilson is “a legend already—having taken home her first Grammy last year for Bell Bottom Country—and I’m thankful she’s a country artist. I’m really proud of how she represents the lifestyle we both love and the music we both love. She’s out of the gate going 100 miles an hour.”