Prominent Country Women of the 2010s

The 2010s were an interesting era of music. Many traditional genres were in a transition period, including country music; however, this era of country still brought a lot of new acts and a variety of different types of country music. Some of today's biggest female stars began their careers during that time. In honor of Women's History Month, let's dive into the prominent women of 2010s country.

1. Kelsea Ballerini

In 2014, country newcomer Kelsea Ballerini released her debut single "Love Me Like You Mean It" on Black River Entertainment. The song went straight to number 1 on the charts and began a whirlwind career for the Tennessee native. Since then, she has released three albums and had multiple hit singles. She has collaborated with musicians in the country genre such as Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, and her husband, Morgan Evans. Ballerini has also collaborated with artists in other genres like Halsey, LANY, and The Chainsmokers.

2. Maren Morris

Maren Morris made her splashing debut in country music in 2015 with the release of her debut song "My Church." In an era of primarily pop country, this track broke barriers with its traditional country roots and soulful influences. She released her debut album HERO in 2016, which included “80s Mercedes,” “I Could Use a Love Song,” and “Rich.” Morris broke into mainstream pop music with a smash hit collaboration with Zedd called, “The Middle.” Since then, Morris has released two more albums, join country supergroup The Highwomen, and has collaborated with many artists inside and outside of country music.

3. Lauren Alaina

Season 10 of American Idol introduced fans to 17-year-old Lauren Alaina from Rossville, GA.

Alaina was the season's runner-up and was immediately signed with UMG Nashville after the show. Since her time on the competition show, Alaina has released three albums, three EPs, and multiple singles, including her number one hit single "Road Less Traveled." She has also collaborated with many well-known artists like HARDY, Jon Pardi, Kane Brown, and Lukas Graham. The Georgia native is traveling across the country on her Top Of The World Tour with special guest Spencer Crandall.

4. Carly Pearce

Kentucky native Carly Pearce began her singing career as a singer at Dollywood when she was 16 years old. She performed in shows there and later made her way to Nashville, where she performed regularly and independently released music. Her breakthrough moment came when her song "Every Little Thing"received regular airplay on SiriusXM's The Highway. Soon after, she signed a record deal with Big Machine Label Group, and that song became her first number one single. Since then, Pearce has released three albums with her label and has collaborated with Ashley McBryde, Lee Brice, and Patty Loveless.

5. Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves began her major-label career in 2012 upon signing with Mercury Nashville.

Her 2013 debut album Same Trailer Different Park topped the Billboard country albums chart and spawned hit singles such as "Merry Go Round"and "Follow Your Arrow." The Texas native has built a massive following without the support of country radio. Her outlaw spirit and southern sass shine brightly throughout her music, including songs such as "High Horse" and "Biscuits." Musgraves released her fourth studio album last year and subsequently toured the country on the star-crossed: unveiled tour.

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