‘The Voice’ Mentor Was Rejected by the Show 7 Times Before Making It Big

Imagine working your tail off, putting your heart into something, and then being told “no” over and over again. For Lainey Wilson, that was the reality when she auditioned for “The Voice” seven times. Yep, you read that right. Seven auditions, and she didn’t even make it to the chair-turning part viewers love to see. But here’s the kicker: those rejections didn’t stop her. In fact, they sparked a fire inside her that pushed her to where she is now; one of country music’s biggest stars.
EntertainmentNow / NBC / GettyLainey Wilson – “The Voice”

Seven Auditions, No Chairs; But She Never Gave Up

It’s hard to imagine Lainey Wilson not being a household name, right? I mean, now she’s topping charts and even starring in television dramas. But before all that fame, she tried to get onto “The Voice” and faced so much rejection. She didn’t even make it to the stage where the coaches could turn their chairs. Ouch.

But here’s where Lainey’s story gets real. Instead of letting those rejections crush her, she used them to fuel her drive. In fact, she told Entertainment Tonight in 2024, “But hey, it just kind of lit a fire under me, and I said, ‘You gotta keep on going.’”

And that’s exactly what she did. Instead of turning around and heading home, Lainey kept pushing forward, determined to make it on her own terms. She didn’t need a chair to turn to prove she had what it takes. Lainey knew she was capable, and she wasn’t going to let anyone (or anything) tell her otherwise.

From Rejection to Mentoring and More

Fast forward to today, and Lainey’s not just a country music star… she’s part of “The Voice” family in a totally different way. In Season 26 of the show, Lainey made an appearance as a Mentor for Reba McEntire’s team, helping guide contestants through the crucial Playoff round. How’s that for full-circle? From auditioning seven times and not even making it to the chairs to being a trusted mentor on one of the biggest music competition shows in the world.

Lainey’s a name country fans know and love. After years of hustling in Nashville, her hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know” became a massive success, propelling her into the spotlight. And as if that wasn’t enough, her role on “Yellowstone” has shown the world that she’s more than just a country music artist; she’s a multi-talented powerhouse.

Her story is a prime example of how rejection doesn’t define your future. It’s just a bump in the road, not the end of it. Lainey Wilson didn’t need “The Voice” to make it. She found her own path, and it led her to the top. If that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is. When one door closes, sometimes the best thing to do is to build your own door and walk through it.