The Illinois State Fair announced its first Grandstand act for the 2026 lineup: Lainey Wilson, who will perform on the Grandstand Stage on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.

Wilson will host the 2025 CMA Awards, where she is also tied as the most-nominated artist with six nods: Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Additionally, she will headline Stagecoach Festival 2026, is featured on the 2025 TIME100 Next list, and recently released the deluxe version of her award-winning album, Whirlwind, which features five additional tracks, including her current single, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” which is top 10 at country radio.

“We couldn’t think of a more powerful way to kick off our 2026 Grandstand announ

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