LDT “🎤 Lainey Wilson to Headline 2026 Illinois State Fair — Country’s Reigning Star Keeps Rising”
Springfield, IL — Country music powerhouse Lainey Wilson is officially set to headline the 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 15, adding yet another major milestone to a career that just keeps soaring.
The “Heart Like a Truck” hitmaker and nine-time CMA Award winner continues to prove she’s one of the most unstoppable forces in modern country. Alongside the announcement, Wilson is gearing up to host this year’s CMA Awards, where she leads all nominees with six nods, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year.
Organizers say Wilson’s show will be one of the fair’s most anticipated performances in years, promising a blend of her chart-topping hits, Southern rock energy, and heartfelt storytelling.
“Lainey Wilson is everything country music is right now — authentic, powerful, and grounded,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to Springfield next summer.”
The Louisiana-born singer-songwriter has become a defining voice of the genre’s new era, blending traditional roots with bold, modern flair. Her latest album, Bell Bottom Country, not only topped charts but also won Album of the Year honors — cementing her place as a torchbearer for country’s future.
Wilson’s rise has been marked by her tireless work ethic, relatable lyrics, and an unapologetic embrace of her small-town roots. From performing in a camper trailer to selling out arenas across the U.S., her journey is now the stuff of Nashville legend.
As she prepares for a busy year ahead — hosting the CMAs, launching a new tour, and now headlining one of the Midwest’s biggest summer events — Wilson says she’s simply grateful for the ride.
“The fair crowds are some of the best in the world,” Wilson said in a recent interview. “They bring that real country spirit — and that’s what I live for.”
🎶 Mark your calendars — August 15, 2026. Lainey Wilson is bringing Nashville’s heart to Illinois.
