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Beneath the Tribute in Light beams in Lower Manhattan, New York City, Lainey Wilson performed a special 'Amazing Grace' rendition in honor of the 25th anniversary marking the attacks of September 11th.
Stepping out in a dignified black suit marked with a bright pink notch, the 'Heart Like a Truck' crooner joined iconic pop star Cyndi Laupner and singer-songwriter John Ondrasik in the special tribute list set to honor victims of the attacks.
Airing live on ABC, Laupner also gave a solemn performance of her 1986 hit 'True Colors,' and Five for Fighting's very own John Ondrasik performed his tender 2001 hit 'Superman (It's Not Easy).'
With a full choir accompanying Wilson from behind, the country star delivered a tear-jerking performance of the timeless emotional ballad, in remembrance of first responders, victims, families of victims and all those impacted by the attacks.
'Amazing Grace,' also covered by country star Alan Jackson, country legend Johnny Cash, and many more, serves therapeutically as a song of hope listeners often cling to for its spiritually ascending lyrics in times of distress and loss.
Which makes it the perfect song to be performed at a tribute such as this, and with Wilson's gentle, but powerful vocals, even more so.
Upon her performance, Wilson also reflected on her younger self and where she was the day of the event - writing in her latest social media post, "Where were you when the world stopped turning?" nodding towards Jackson's commemorative 2001 patriotic hit, before continuing, "I was in 4th grade in Mrs. Debbie Bryan's class. I remember when she rolled in the TV and put the news on."
Wilson identifies with the full-circle moment performing at the 25th anniversary tribute has given her by saying "25 years later, I had the honor of performing in NYC at the base of the iconic beams where the Twin Towers stood and where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives."
In 2026, the 'Watermelon Moonshine' songstress has taken on multiple TV and live broadcast shows, the 09/11 memorial being one step before her third consecutive year hosting the CMA Awards in November.
A solid, steady female country star of the 21st century, this writer would add that Wilson has spent time climbing and cementing herself as one of the biggest acts in country music. Today, she spends ample time giving back.
Through her 09/11 tribute performance, the star shows respect and gratitude towards all who fought on the day, and all who ultimately lost their lives. Through her CMA Awards show hosting, she guides her country star colleagues through the biggest night in the genre, hosting them as they are presented well-deserved awards for their various feats in 2026.
While we wouldn't say this is Wilson taking a step back from her own music, being that she released her latest single 'Phone, Keys, Wallet' in late July, this writer would argue that Wilson has her sights set further on the industry as a whole - showing representation and paving the way for other country stars to shine.
