‘Yellowstone’ Star Lainey Wilson Eligible For An Emmy Award With Original Song, “Smell Like Smoke”

Lainey Wilson is eligible for an Emmy nomination in the category, Outstanding Music and Lyrics for her song “Smells Like Smoke,” which appeared in Yellowstone.

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

Editorial Policy

|

Posted on April 19, 2023

Share on:

Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy of CBS

Lainey Wilson submitted her song “Smell Like Smoke” for an Emmy Award nomination.

The country superstar is now eligible for an Emmy nomination in the category, Outstanding Music and Lyrics for her song “Smell Like Smoke,” which appeared in Paramount Network’s Yellowstone.

The current ACM Female Artist Of The Year nominee made her acting debut during the 5th season of Yellowstone, where she starred as a musician named Abby, a character that was created with her style, personality and mannerisms in mind.

“It’s pretty much me. And it’s cool, I’m getting to sing my own songs, I’m getting to wear my get-up, I just go by the name Abby, so it’s awesome. It really is,” Wilson previously explained.

Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy of Getty Images for CMT
Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy of Getty Images for CMT

“Smell Like Smoke” Appeared InYellowstone

Throughout Wilson’s time on Yellowstone, she performed several original tunes while acting as Abby, including “Smell Like Smoke,” which was featured in the season premiere of the hit series.

The Louisiana native recently sat down with Variety to chat about “Smell Like Smoke.” Wilson explained to the outlet that the song “centers around four pillars that make ‘Yellowstone’ what it is — cowboys, heartbreak, self-assurance and faith.”

The tune allows Wilson’s fierce and bold spirit to shine as she sings about her hard-hitting resilience as she goes through hell and back with a no-nonsense attitude.

Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy of Yellowstone/Paramount+ Network
Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy of Yellowstone/Paramount+ Network

“Smell Like Smoke”

Co-written by Wilson alongside Monty Criswell, Derek George and Lynn Hutton, “Smell Like Smoke” also finds the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year staying true to her roots and remaining proud of who she is and where she’s from. 

“Derek came up with the signature guitar lick at the beginning of the song and tracked the original demo, while Monty and I fiddled around with lyrics and Lynn steered the melodies,” Wilson recalled.

Wilson then explained that the song “was a little rough around the edges, but with good energy, which we thought was perfect for ‘Yellowstone.’”

She admitted that she thought a song about “owning tough times in a proud, matter-of-fact, light-hearted way” perfectly fit the experiences of Beth and Monica Dutton on the show and later added that the song “would tie in well with the way the show makes the down-and-dirty look sexy and fun.”

New Album Bell Bottom Country

The tune appears on Lainey Wilson’s sophomore album, Bell Bottom Country, which arrived on October 28, 2022, via BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records. The project features 14 tracks, including her chart-topping single “Heart Like A Truck,” as well as the fan-favorite hits “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Atta Girl,” “Hold My Halo,” a cover of 4 Non Blondes classic hit “What’s Up (What’s Going On)” and more.

“I’ve lived quite a bit of life the past few years, and I have a lot more to say,” Wilson shared of the new album. “Sure, I love a good pair of bell bottoms, but Bell Bottom Country to me has always been about the flare and what makes someone unique — I have really embraced mine, and I hope y’all can hear that across this project.”

Lainey Wilson Is Currently Touring With Luke Combs

Wilson is serving as support for Luke Combs on his 2023 world tour, which kicked off on March 25 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The massive stadium trek, featuring support from Riley Green, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb, wraps up on July 29 in Philadelphia, PA at Lincoln Financial Field.

For a full list of Lainey Wilson’s upcoming tour dates, visit her official website HERE.

Most-Nominated Artist At 2023 ACM Awards

Additionally, Lainey Wilson is currently the most-nominated female artist at the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards with six nods, including Female Artist of the Year.

“I am so honored to be nominated among some of the best in the business. A few years ago, I wouldn’t even have been able to dream of a day like this,” Wilson shared in a press release. “Thank you to the Academy of Country Music for believing in me and my work, this is an absolute honor.”

The country hitmaker is also nominated in more categories than any other artist.

Share on:

Tagged with:

Written by

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski