Lainey Wilson: From Hannah Montana Tribute Artist to iHeartRadio Superstar

Lainey Wilson: A Rising Star’s Full-Circle Moment

It’s been a whirlwind week for Lainey Wilson, the country music sensation. From gracing the red carpet at the 20th Anniversary Special for Hannah Montana to commanding the stage at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Wilson has been making waves. The Hannah Montana event celebrated the iconic career of Miley Cyrus and her impact on Disney Channel, and it proved to be a significant moment for Wilson as well.

iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026: Wilson Shines

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards kicked off with Ludacris returning as host, a role he previously held in 2024. He was rightfully honoured with the iHeartRadio Landmark Award, recognizing his pioneering contributions to hip-hop. But the night also belonged to Lainey Wilson, who delivered a show-stopping performance.

Wilson captivated the audience with a powerful medley featuring “Wild Flowers and Wild Horses,” “Heart Like A Truck,” and “Hang Tight Honey.” Her performance showcased the raw talent and authenticity that have quickly made her a favourite in the country music scene. You can see a clip of her performance here.

A Full-Circle Moment with Miley Cyrus

What made the evening even more special was the presence of Miley Cyrus. Honoured with the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, Cyrus watched as Wilson brought her signature country grit to the stage. This created a poignant full-circle moment for Wilson, who credits Cyrus with inspiring her early musical journey.

From Birthday Parties to Big Stages: Wilson’s Humble Beginnings

Wilson often speaks about the formative experiences that shaped her career. She revealed that a simple request – a teacher asking a student to dress up as Hannah Montana for her daughter’s birthday – sparked a turning point in her life.

“I’d sing a few songs that I wrote, and then I’d go backstage…and throw on my Hannah Montana getup and get out there, and put on like a 15-song concert,” Wilson explained. This experience taught her invaluable lessons about performing, audience engagement, and the dedication required to succeed in the music industry.

She honed her skills by performing at a diverse range of events, from children’s birthday parties to nursing homes. “I had to learn how you speak to 3-year-olds is not how you speak to the elderly,” she shared. “You know, like you have to learn your audience. And it taught me a lot.”

A Testament to Hard Work and Determination

Now, standing on one of music’s biggest stages, Wilson has proven just how far those early lessons have taken her. With Cyrus watching from the audience, it served as a powerful reminder of where her journey began and how far she’s come. Lainey Wilson’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and staying true to your roots. Her performance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 solidified her position as a rising star in country music, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.

Related: Check out Lainey Wilson Speaks Out About Stereotypes Surrounding Country Life on American Songwriter.

More from the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026:

(Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Netflix)