Lainey Wilson may not have taken home the trophy at the 2025 American Music Awards, but she absolutely stole the show.
On May 26, inside the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Lainey delivered a breathtaking live debut of her new single, “Somewhere Over Laredo.” With the stage bathed in soft white light and gentle clouds of smoke swirling at her boots, she looked like a vision in white—cape flowing, rhinestone mic sparkling, and signature cowboy hat firmly in place.
The mood was pure magic.
Backed by a moody white grand piano and a shadowed band, Lainey’s voice soared through the room with aching beauty. The song, equal parts nostalgic and poetic, paints the picture of two souls destined to drift apart—“lone star-crossed lovers / born to get gone from the get-go.” It’s a love song filled with heartbreak, wrapped in southern soul and sunset skies.
Written by Lainey, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert, “Somewhere Over Laredo” officially hits country radio on May 27 as the third single from the deluxe version of her Whirlwind album. It’s a gentle nod to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” but with Lainey’s own signature twist—Texas towns, heartache, and poetic grit.
Though the Favorite Female Country Artist award went to Beyoncé, Lainey’s performance was a powerful reminder of why fans love her: she makes country music feel personal, honest, and alive.
And if you weren’t already in love with “Somewhere Over Laredo,” chances are… you are now.
