Lainey Wilson dazzled in a sparkling silver bell bottom ensemble, complete with a cowboy hat, turquoise jewelry and vest adorned with safety pins, while performing a series of hits during New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The reigning CMA Entertainer of The Year dominated the stage with mesmerizing performances of “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Smells Like Smoke,” and her first-ever No. 1, “Things A Man Oughta Know” and more.
The 31-year-old country superstar performed live from Nashville’s Bicentennial Mall stage as a sea of fans watched on, awaiting the city’s iconic Music Note Drop at midnight.
Later in the evening, Wilson welcomed Jackson Dean and 17-year-old guitar virtuoso, Grace Bowers, to the stage to perform a cover of Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love,” which will likely go down in history as one of the best performances from the event.
Wilson Reflects On A Whirlwind Year
2023 has been nothing short of a whirlwind year for Wilson, who found immense amounts of success, performed 100+ shows and was nominated for dozens of award nominations throughout the year. Before taking to the stage, Lainey Wilson took to social media to reflect on all that she’s achieved this year.
“2023 was the year of living ten years in one. Some sayings that come to mind when I think about the last 365 days are ‘strike when the iron’s hot’ and ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease.’ I had to remind myself of those things my family used to say every single day this past year. I had to put myself back into the shoes of that little girl who wanted this more than anything because the truth is… there have been moments I was so worn out I could barely put one foot in front of the other,” Wilson wrote.
She continued, “I had to pull myself up by the bootstraps, just like anybody who wants something bad enough. It’s work, and I’m blessed I was raised to work because dreams don’t just come true without digging in and without the right people around you lifting you up and always reminding of the truth. The truth is… I know I was created to be right here and do exactly what I’m doing right now.”
Showcased Gratitude For The Lord And Those That Have Supported Her
The chart-topping superstar and Yellowstone actress then went on to express how grateful she is for everyone who has supported her along the way.
“My journey is proof that the Lord does give you the desires of your heart when you trust, receive, and believe. [Thank you] to my team who has been fighting for me for years and for doing all the things we said we would do. Thank you to my family for tracking me down to spend time with me and for answering my FaceTimes several times a day [and] Thank you to my friends who have understood that I couldn’t be totally present at times and for loving me anyway.”
Wilson concluded by showcasing gratitude to her fans. “And thank you to my fans. I have a love so deep for y’all. It is hard to put into words. I want to feel like I know y’all, and I want y’all to feel like you know me. Thank you for allowing me to tell my story and somehow finding yours within the song. That’s country music for ya. We are just getting started. 2024, let’s do it again.”
How To Watch New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash also featured performances from Trace Adkins, Grace Bowers, Kane Brown, Jackson Dean, Old Dominion, HARDY, Elle King, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Trombone Shorty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.
In addition to solo performances, several of the artists joined forces for one-of-a-kind collaborations throughout the night. Lainey Wilson teamed up with Grace Bowers and Jackson Dean, while Brothers Osborne performed alongside Trombone Shorty and Blake Shelton reunited with Trace Adkins. Tennessee Titans’ wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, and comedian, Rob Schneider, who is Elle King’s dad, also made an appearance during the special.
The five-hour broadcast was filmed throughout Music City from a variety of locations, including Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park along with numerous honky-tonks, bars, and clubs on the city’s infamous Lower Broadway. The show featured over 50 impressive performances across multiple time zones, all live from Nashville. Nashville synchronized its countdown with the East Coast at midnight and continued its festivities until midnight Central Time, which concluded with the city’s iconic Music Note Drop at the Bicentennial Mall stage.
Directed by Sandra Restrepo, the New Year’s Eve celebration was co-hosted by Elle King and Entertainment Tonight‘s Rachel Smith alongside TV and radio host Cody Alan, CBS anchor Lonnie Quinn and Dustin Lynch, who corresponded from New York City’s iconic Times Square.
Nashville’s Big Bash aired LIVE on Sunday, December 31 (7:30-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:05 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streamed via Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).
