With her 2023 entertainer of the year award from the Country Music Association, a best country album Grammy and an acting role in “Yellowstone” under her belt, it’s not surprising that Lainey Wilson is on her largest tour to date. Saturday night, she packed in more than 14,000 fans to St. Paul’s Grand Casino Arena.

What was surprising, though, is how easily she has transitioned into headlining such large venues. Her performance Saturday night felt like it was delivered from a seasoned pro, not someone with a single Top 10 album to her name. That record, last year’s “Whirlwind,” figured heavily in her set list.

It’s been a long time coming for the 33-year-old, who began writing songs as a teenager and landing gigs on the side as — of all things — a Hannah Montana impersonator. (She told t

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