Lainey Wilson Debuts New Single ‘Somewhere Over Laredo,’ Inspired by ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Classic

The 33-year-old country singer will perform her new song live for the first time at the American Music Awards.

Lainey Wilson performs during the 58th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 20, 2024. Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Country singer Lainey Wilson has put a Southern spin on one of the most beloved and recognizable “The Wizard of Oz” tunes with the release of “Somewhere Over Laredo,” a new ballad that pays homage to small towns across the United States.

The Louisiana native’s latest single, which debuted on May 23, incorporates elements of “Over the Rainbow,” an enduring melody made famous by actress Judy Garland in the classic 1939 musical, earning the Oscar for “Best Original Song” the following year.

The song, co-written with collaborators Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert, also reflects on past love, interweaving Wilson’s poignant storytelling and signature country sound, according to a news release from BBR Music Group.

The Texas-inspired ditty puts the 33-year-old singer-songwriter in the window seat of a red-eye flight soaring out of Houston.

“Somewhere over Laredo, dreaming about those rodeo nights,” a portion of the song’s chorus goes. “Laid there on the banks of the Rio, new silver buckle on your jeans next to mine.”

Wilson, who launched her self-titled debut album in 2014, discussed the inspiration behind her new song on social media, explaining that the lyrics stemmed from her frequent traveling as a touring musician.

“When I’m flying between shows I catch myself looking out the window, talking to God, dreaming, or even reminiscing,” she wrote on the day of the song’s release.

“‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ tells a story that speaks to that. I’ve always been inspired by putting myself into other peoples’ shoes and telling stories from others’ perspective, but I’ve found a new creative avenue with this one putting myself back into a pair of shoes that I wore years ago.”

Wilson is scheduled to perform her new song live for the first time during the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs).

The “Heart Like a Truck” singer is nominated for “Favorite Female Country Artist” at the fan-voted award show, which is set to air on Memorial Day at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.

Hosted by singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, this year’s AMAs will also feature performances by singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, country crooner Blake Shelton, pop-rock star Benson Boone, and Latin pop singer Gloria Estefan, who will be taking the stage at the award show for the first time in more than 30 years.