Reigning ACM and CMA entertainer of the year Lainey Wilson just released her new album Whirlwind, a 14-song collection of new music, and is in the midst of her headlining Country’s Cool Again Tour.
Beyond the spotlight, stage and studio, she also has a steadfast supporter in her corner — her boyfriend Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL athlete-turned-real estate agent. The couple have been dating since 2021, but they made their red carpet debut at the ACM Awards last year.
So it’s notable that a few love songs peek through on her new album, including “4x4xU,” “Counting Chickens” and “Hang Tight Honey.” However, in a recent interview with Billboard, four-time No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hitmaker Wilson says not to expect many over-the-top ballads to proliferate her projects.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be that love songwriter that’s super mushy gushy at all,” Wilson says. “It’s going to always probably be a love song that’s like, ‘I love you, but I can still do my thing.’”
She does say that Hodges has had an impact on her music, noting that he listens to every song she writes. Though he’s not a musician, he offers a valuable perspective.
“Everything I ever write, he hears because he truly is my best friend and he’s got a great ear,” she says. “He can’t sing a lick — he tries to — and he’s got great taste. I know if I send him a demo or work tape, and he keeps going back and listening to it over and over, there must be something about this. He’s not in the business, he don’t have anything to do with this, and it’s nice to be able to see what other people’s opinions are because that’s the listener right there.”
Wilson says Hodges has been a steadfast supporter as her career has skyrocketed. “Thankfully, I have found a man that is so happy that he’s with a lady that can do her own thing. He’s just my cheerleader,” she explains. “He makes it real easy and it’s fun to be able to share this part of my life that I’ve kept my cards close to my chest, I guess you could say, for a while. My daddy always said, ‘If you tell all your business, you ain’t got any.’”
In her discussion with Billboard, Wilson also opened up about crafting her new album, working with Miranda Lambert, the importance of mentorship, and more.
