‘Somewhere over Laredo’: Country star Lainey Wilson spotlights city in latest song teaser

Lainey Wilson accepts the award for album of the year for “Whirlwind” during the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas

Country music superstar Lainey Wilson has highlighted Laredo with her latest song teaser, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” captivating fans and bringing national attention to the Gateway City. The song draws inspiration from South Texas culture and landscape, weaving a vivid narrative.

Shared with her 3.2 million Instagram followers, the ballad draws from South Texas’ defining geographical landmarks, such as the Rio Grande, and highlights the region’s rich cultural traditions. With lyrics like, “Laid there on the banks of the Rio” and “I’ll be somewhere over Laredo,” Wilson weaves evocative scenes tied to the city and surrounding areas, skillfully capturing the essence of the Gateway City through her music.

While fans have been captivated by the teaser, no details about a full release have been revealed. Anticipation surrounding the song continues to grow as Wilson’s storytelling resonates with her audience.

The teaser gained traction on Instagram, amassing more than 76,500 likes and sparking support from fans, fellow country stars and even local institutions. Adding to the buzz, Laredo’s Convention and Visitors Bureau joined the conversation, commenting from its official Instagram account, @visitlaredotx: “Just in time for Laredo’s birthday! Beautiful song.”

“Thank you, Lainey Wilson, for shining a spotlight on our border hometown,” the city of Laredo said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “Laredo is proud to be the heart behind Somewhere Over Laredo. You captured our soul in song.”

This preview is just one of many highlights in Wilson’s award-winning career.

Earlier this month, Wilson’s remarkable year was celebrated at the Academy of Country Music Awards. She earned top honors including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

These awards build on her historic success at the Country Music Association Awards, where she was named Female Vocalist of the Year for three consecutive years. Known for hits like “Heart Like a Truck” and “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” Wilson continues to captivate audiences with her vivid storytelling.

Laredo’s recent prominence in mainstream music reaches new heights with Wilson’s forthcoming single. Grammy-winning artists have also drawn inspiration from the city, such as Leon Bridges, who released his track “Laredo” in September 2024. While Bridges captured a moment of personal nostalgia, Wilson’s ballad focuses on themes of love and longing, reflecting Laredo’s evocative spirit. Together, these songs highlight the city’s enduring appeal as a creative muse.

The timing of Wilson’s song teaser with Laredo’s historic milestone further amplifies the story’s significance. As residents prepare to celebrate the city’s 270th birthday, they can take pride in knowing their hometown continues to inspire nationally recognized music.

“Let’s make this one the official Laredo song,” one user wrote in response to the video. Another added, “Might be a good time to make [it] an official city song.”

Whether through Wilson’s heartfelt lyrics or Bridges’ soulful nostalgia, Laredo continues to inspire music that resonates far beyond South Texas. As the city approaches its 270th birthday, Wilson’s song teaser offers a chance for Laredo to be celebrated and embraced on a national scale. While it remains to be seen how “Somewhere Over Laredo” will be received, it’s clear that the city’s spirit and stories hold a special allure for artists across genres, generations and languages.