WATCH: Lainey Wilson Chats Kissing Frogs, Meeting Legends, and Making Music Magic On TODAY Show

In a candid and entertaining segment on TODAY, Lainey Wilson, one of country music’s brightest stars, sat down to answer eight questions before 8 a.m. She shared her journey from impersonating Hannah Montana to dreaming of collaborations with legends, and opened up about her inspirations, dreams, and a bit of personal humor.

Via Lainey Wilson Instagram

Hannah Montana Days

Lainey’s musical journey had a unique start, performing as a "Hannah Montana" impersonator from 8th grade to 12th grade. "I had the best of both worlds," she recalled with a laugh. "I would open up the show as Lainey Wilson before I would go backstage, put on my wig, and be Hannah Montana." Her favorite song to perform? "Best of Both Worlds," naturally, the one that always got the kids excited. This early experience honed her stage presence and helped her develop the confidence that shines through in her performances today.

Meeting Heroes and Finding Inspiration

When it comes to musical influences, Lainey’s list is filled with legends. She spoke warmly about meeting Dolly Parton, debunking the saying, "don’t meet your heroes." “That does not count for Dolly Parton. She truly is even better once you get to know her. She’s got a heart of gold, and the way she carries herself, she has this light that I think all of us should want to have and share with others.”

This admiration extends to other country greats as well. Lainey draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, incorporating bits and pieces from each to create her unique sound. "I feel like I like to pull like bits and pieces from a little bit of all of my heroes," she said, emphasizing the importance of learning from those who have paved the way.

Dream Collaborations and Songwriting Aspirations

Wilson’s dream collaboration list is a blend of contemporary and legendary artists. While she’d love to work with icons like Elvis Presley and Loretta Lynn, she’s also eager to write with current stars like Eric Church and Chris Stapleton. “There are so many incredible songwriters and singers in country music right now. I’m proud to be part of this generation and would love to write songs for all of them.”

Lainey’s songwriting ambitions highlight her deep appreciation for the craft. She understands that great music often comes from collaboration and shared experiences. “I know a lot of my artist friends in country music write a lot of their own stuff, so maybe we could write something together,” she mused, reflecting her desire to contribute to the vibrant country music community.

Celebrity Crushes and Humor

When asked about her celebrity crush, Lainey’s criteria were simple: humor and good looks. Matthew McConaughey and Ashton Kutcher topped her list. “Humor is what makes somebody cute to me,” she said, adding with a laugh, “and they’re good looking too!” This lighthearted moment showcased Lainey’s down-to-earth personality and her appreciation for the qualities that truly matter in a partner.

Taylor Swift and Mutual Admiration

Lainey shared a delightful story about Taylor Swift, recalling how she saw Swift perform at CMA Fest when she was just 16. “I told her, I was at your show. She said, there were like 10 people there. I said, well, me and my family, we were part of the 10.” Lainey admires Swift’s work ethic and considers her a role model. "I'm just a huge fan of what she does. But most importantly, her work ethic. I think she's just a lady that a lot of folks should look up to."

This mutual admiration between two talented artists is a testament to the supportive and encouraging environment within the country music community. Lainey’s story underscores the importance of perseverance and hard work, values that both she and Swift embody.

Excitement, Nerves, and Future Plans

Despite her success, Lainey still gets nervous before shows, whether playing for 20 people or 20,000. “I think that’s because I truly care, and the new has not worn off. I’ve been doing this my whole life, and I hope it never does.” This genuine passion for her craft is evident in every performance, and it’s what endears her to fans old and new.

As for starting a family, she’s open to it but wants a few more years to focus on her career. “When I do have a family, I’ll call you, Megan, and get some tips,” she joked. This balance between personal and professional aspirations is a common theme among many artists, and Lainey is no exception.

Friendship and Collaboration

Lainey ended the segment with a heartfelt message to her friend Gracie, expressing her excitement for their friendship and hinting at a future collaboration. “We come from different parts of the world, different walks of life, and I think it’s so cool that we can cheer each other on. When are we going to let those worlds collide? You got my number. Holla at your sister.”

This message of unity and support is a fitting conclusion to Lainey’s segment. It reflects her belief in the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or experiences. With her infectious enthusiasm, down-to-earth personality, and undeniable talent, Lainey Wilson continues to shine as a beacon in the country music scene. Whether she’s reminiscing about her early days or dreaming about future collaborations, one thing is clear: Lainey Wilson is here to stay.