Lainey Wilson Takes the Stage as Ken and Delivers a Show-Stopping Performance

Country singer Lainey Wilson proved her versatility and stepped into the shoes of Ken during music mogul Clive Davis‘ pre-Grammy gala. Wilson, performing alongside songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, delivered a stunning performance of ‘I’m Just Ken’.

The suggestion for Wilson to perform as Ken came about when Davis reached out to Ronson and asked him and Ryan Gosling to perform the song. Though Gosling was unable to attend due to prior commitments, Ronson proposed the idea of having Wilson take on the role.

The gala showcased several notable artists, including Green Day, Noah Kahan, Ice Spice, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. The trio, comprising Wilson, Ronson, and Wyatt, captivated the audience with their rendition.

‘I’m Just Ken’ has gained immense popularity since its release as part of the Barbie soundtrack. The song has been nominated for multiple awards, including Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammys and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Ronson expressed the therapeutic value of the song in his journey through the awards season.

Competing against tracks such as Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s ‘Barbie World’ remix, Dua Lipa‘s ‘Dance the Night,’ and Billie Eilish‘s ‘What Was I Made For?’ in the Best Original Song category at the Academy Awards, ‘I’m Just Ken’ stands a chance to take home the accolade. Rihanna‘s ‘Lift Me Up’ for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the only non-Barbie nominee in the category.

Within the country music realm, Wilson is also vying for Best Country Album. Her album, Bell Bottom Country, has already won album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.

This unexpected but remarkable performance by Wilson as Ken has further solidified her presence in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talent, versatility, and ability to captivate audiences with her stage presence and country charm.