Lainey Wilson Pays Tribute to a Country Classic with Bold New Spin on Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Through the Night”

In her latest release, Lainey Wilson breathes fresh life into Kris Kristofferson’s timeless ballad, “Help Me Through the Night,” with a brand-new Amazon Music Original cover that combines her powerhouse vocals with the song’s time-tested storytelling. Already known for her ability to walk the line between tradition and modernity, Wilson’s take on this beloved classic is confident, soulful, and undeniably hers. And it’s not just any song she’s taking on—it’s a piece of country music history that has resonated through generations, a benchmark of raw emotion and poetic simplicity crafted by one of country’s most respected storytellers.

Kristofferson’s original “Help Me Through the Night” has long been an anthem of vulnerability and quiet desperation. Penned in his signature minimalist style, the song strips away embellishments to focus on the narrator’s plea for comfort and connection, tugging at universal human emotions. Lainey’s choice to take on this song signals both her respect for the legends who came before her and her determination to push those same boundaries, just as Kristofferson did. “I used to sing this song growing up on my karaoke machine until the CD was so scratched up that only the chorus would play,” Wilson shared in a press release. “So many people have done their own version of this song. To me, that says a lot about Kris Kristofferson and his unique storytelling. It was simple yet poetic, and it helped push boundaries in the country music genre. He was a pioneer, and a force for the outlaws in country. I really hope to make Kris proud with this version.”

Wilson’s cover brings a new flair to the track, layering her smoky, bold vocal delivery over understated instrumentation that nods to Kristofferson’s original arrangement while adding a touch of her own signature grit. The simplicity of Kristofferson’s original lyrics gives Wilson plenty of room to flex her voice, letting her soar over each verse with a warmth and depth that feels as genuine as it is heartfelt. Her vocals capture that delicate balance between yearning and resilience, and listeners can hear her channel the legacy of Kristofferson’s groundbreaking style while also adding her own twist.

Blending old and new is a talent Wilson has honed in her career, and it shines through here with style and respect. Known for her unique sound—a blend of outlaw grit, a little bit of pop polish, and the grounded storytelling at country music’s core—she’s crafted a version of the song that appeals to new listeners and longtime fans of the original alike. Her voice is a reminder that the heart of country music lies in its storytelling, and with this cover, she brings Kristofferson’s words back into the spotlight, wrapped in a new sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic and refreshingly current.

Wilson’s version of “Help Me Through the Night” is an homage to a genre pioneer, a reimagining that honors its roots while stepping into uncharted territory. This cover, with its deep reverence and fearless delivery, reminds us that while times and styles change, the best stories endure, thanks to artists like Lainey Wilson who are unafraid to carry them forward.