Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lainey Wilson & Elle King Welcomes The New Year With “Sweet Home Alabama”

Lainey Wilson concluded a remarkable year with a spectacular performance that added another shining moment to her already illustrious career. Having clinched numerous awards and solidified her status as one of the preeminent female country artists globally, Lainey Wilson seized the opportunity to share the stage with a legendary band.

At the grand Nashville’s Big Bash celebration on New Year’s Eve, Lainey Wilson, alongside the equally talented Elle King, had the distinct honor of performing alongside the iconic Lynyrd Skynyrd. The electrifying collaboration saw them delivering a captivating rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama”.

Both Elle King and Lainey Wilson, bedecked in glamorous sequins and donning stylish long coats to combat the winter chill, stood poised on stage, flanking none other than Johnny Van Zant himself.

This extraordinary musical union not only showcased Lainey Wilson’s continued ascendancy in the country music scene but also demonstrated her versatility as an artist capable of seamlessly blending her talents with legendary acts.

Lainey Wilson captivated the audience with a string of performances

Elle King hosted this year’s Big Bash, guaranteeing a colorful and remarkable occasion. Later in the evening, Lainey Wilson captivated the audience with a string of amazing performances. 

Wilson opened the evening’s musical program with a powerful duet of “Grease” and “Heart Like a Truck,” laying the groundwork for an incredible musical performance.

Wilson’s comeback to the spotlight included a stunning performance of “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” for the crowd. After a slew of other outstanding performances, Wilson returned to the forefront and enthralled the audience with soulful performances of “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Smell Like Smoke.”

Showing off her versatility, Wilson broke before coming back to deliver a powerful rendition of “Things a Man Oughta Know”. The evening culminated when Wilson invited Grace Bowers and Jackson Dean to join her on stage for a joint performance of “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.”

“Sweet Home Alabama” was the night’s highlight

The evening’s high point was when Wilson, King, and Lynyrd Skynyrd came together on stage to perform a captivating rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama.” The crowd was ecstatic, singing along and causing a sea of cowboy hats to ripple like waves as they enthusiastically danced and bobbed their heads to the catchy beat.

As the show came to an exciting close, Johnny Van Zant encouraged the audience to join in on the chorus, and in a moment of pure delight, the audience even took over a few bars. A night full of musical wonder and communal pleasure reached its big crescendo with this cooperative and captivating finish.

The band’s 1974 original recording of the legendary song is a significant point in music history. Born in 1992, Lainey Wilson came into the world 18 years after the song’s first release. An even older Elle King was formed in 1989, which was still a good 15 years after the song was first heard on the radio.

Despite the temporal distance between their births and the song’s debut, both Wilson and King showcased their musical prowess with full vigor as they shared the stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd on New Year’s Eve.

An exciting Big Bash and more

CBS‘s much-awaited New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is poised to serve as a prime example of why Nashville is a top venue for outstanding parties. The event, which features a star-studded lineup that includes Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Bailey Zimmerman, Parker McCollum, and many more, was hosted by Rachel Smith of Entertainment Tonight and Elle King.

In a ground-breaking move, CBS and New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash have signed a multi-year agreement, demonstrating the network’s dedication to providing excellent entertainment.

The renowned Big Bash featured over 50 musical performances. One of the performers, Cody Johnson, pointed out the value of putting everything on the line in order to achieve greatness and expressed his delight in honoring Texas’ rich musical heritage in country music. 

He added, “I’m not just thinking about having No. 1 hits on radio and selling out arenas. Making bodies of work that are an appetizer to an entree that’s benefitting the rest of my career is important.”

An incredible year for Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson’s performance at Nashville’s Big Bash wrapped up an incredible year that was marked by a number of victories that shaped her 2023 path. Her successful Country With a Flare Tour, which coincided with the publication of her album Bell Bottom Country, marked the beginning of the year.

Wilson’s remarkable achievements kept coming in, including the much-coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year award. Her joint collaborations with HARDY and Jelly Roll were well-received, demonstrating her versatility and strength in both solo and group endeavors.

Beyond the awards, Wilson’s remarkable performances left a lasting impression. Her captivating performance of “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” at the CMA Awards, when the stage was transformed with pyrotechnics and a barbed wire backdrop to complement her musical skills, was a memorable moment.

Another seminal moment demonstrated the lasting spirit of girl power in country music when Wilson sang a strong rendition of Alanis Morissette’s legendary song “You Oughta Know” at the CMT Awards alongside Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade, and Alanis Morissette herself.