27 Best Female Country Singers Of The 2000s

This article explores the best female country singers of the 2000s. All have undoubtedly left a mark on the country scene, and have provided countless hours of great music for us to enjoy. So here they are.

1. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood first captured the public’s attention when she won the 4^th American Idol season in 2005. Her debut single, “Inside Your Heaven,” resonated with country fans all over.

Billboard named Carrie as their top female country artist for the 2000s. She continues to release successful albums packed with chart-topping singles, and her multiple Grammy Awards testify to her musical skill.

Carrie’s influence isn’t just limited to releasing hit songs; she’s also used her platform for philanthropic work supporting various causes. In addition to commercial success as one of the best-selling female country artists, she leaves an indelible impact offstage through this generous commitment.

2. Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert, a Texan singer-songwriter, broke onto the country scene in the early 2000s. With no less than four top-40 singles gracing this list, it’s not hard to see why she’s considered one of the best female country singers.

Lambert has held her own in the music industry since her blossoming career kicked off years ago and has been unstoppable ever since. In fact, at the esteemed ACM Awards of 2007, she received due recognition for her talent when she bagged Top New Female Vocalist.

Miranda Lambert set herself apart with raw narratives of heartbreak and redemption that resonate with fans worldwide. It isn’t merely about commercial success for her; it’s also about touching lives through authentic storytelling in songs.

3. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is undeniably a juggernaut in the music industry. Her passion for songwriting and musical versatility secured her a spot among the top female country singers of the 2000s at just age 16. She quickly captured hearts with chart-topping hits like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me.”

Drawing inspiration from noteworthy artists such as Shania Twain and Faith Hill, Swift crafted her distinct sound that resonates with fans worldwide. Over the years, however, Taylor Swift’s music has evolved as she ventured into different genres, transitioning from country to pop.

Today, Taylor Swift is one of the biggest musicians known for her storytelling abilities and drawing from personal experiences and emotions to craft her songs.

4. Martina McBride

Martina McBride is one of the most successful female country singers of the 2000s. With her powerful soprano vocal range, she has captured the hearts of music fans worldwide. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat anthem, McBride knows how to deliver a captivating performance.

Selling over 14 million albums in the United States alone, McBride has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. She has achieved multiple No. 1 hits on the charts and has been honored with numerous awards.

In addition to being a fantastic singer, Martina McBride is also known for her songwriting skills. She puts her heart into every lyric and creates relatable and meaningful songs for audiences everywhere.

5. Faith Hill

Faith Hill is an American country singer known for her powerful vocals and expressive performances. She emerged as a top female vocalist in the 2000s, winning accolades from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

Throughout her career, Hill drew inspiration from legendary country singers such as Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire. In 2000, Faith Hill made history by becoming the first female country singer in three decades to reach Billboard’s number one position.

6. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, as well as songwriter, who was also the first-ever winner of American Idol. With her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, Kelly has become a Grammy Award-winning artist who continues to captivate audiences with her music.

Kelly Clarkson’s connection to country music runs deep as well. She shares a special bond with Reba McEntire, known as the “Queen of Country.” Moreover, Kelly is considered one of the top female singers in country music, alongside icons like Dolly Parton and Shania Twain.

7. Sara Evans

Sara Evans is among the most talented and popular female country singers of the 2000s. With her incredible vocals and heartfelt songwriting, Evans has become known for her pop/country crossover hits.

Over the years, Sara Evans has released eight studio albums and charted four No. 1 country hits. Her songs like “I Could Not Ask for More” and “I Keep Looking” have topped charts and earned her recognition as a top-tier vocalist.

8. Laura Bell Bundy

Laura Bell Bundy is an incredibly talented American actress and singer who has captivated audiences with her remarkable performances on Broadway and in country music. She gained recognition for originating the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical, showcasing her exceptional acting skills and powerful vocals.

Bundy has released country music albums, such as her debut album “Longing for a Place Already Gone” in 2007. Moreover, she has been nominated for prestigious awards, including Tony Awards, for her outstanding performances on Broadway.

9. Cyndi Thomson

Cyndi Thomson is an American country music artist who made a significant impact on the country music scene in the early 2000s. She released her debut album, “My World,” in 2001, which was the best-selling debut album by a female country singer at that time.

With hit singles like “What I Really Meant to Say” and “I Always Liked That Best,” Cyndi Thomson quickly gained recognition as a talented country artist. Despite her early success, Thomson left the music industry after just one album. Though her time in the spotlight was relatively short-lived, her impact on country music during the 2000s cannot be denied.

10. Sarah Buxton

Sarah Buxton is a talented country music singer and songwriter who made her mark in the industry from her debut. Buxton not only released her music but has also written songs for notable artists like Keith Urban, the Band Perry, and Trisha Yearwood.

One of her songs, “Outside My Window,” gained popularity within the country music scene. Moreover, her unique vocal abilities have made her a sought-after backup vocalist for other artists. Today, Sarah Buxton remains an influential figure in country music as both a singer and songwriter.

11. Jamie O’Neal

Jamie O’Neal is an Australian country music singer and songwriter who has been showcasing her incredible talent for over 20 years. She’s a platinum-selling country artist from the 2000s with several hits on her roster.

Her debut album, “Shiver,” and hit single “There Is No Arizona,” showcased her unique blend of country and pop, solidifying her place in country music. Furthermore, with four CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards, it’s no surprise that Jamie O’Neal thrives in the country music scene.

12. Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack is a country music singer from America that has made a significant impact on the industry. Her 2000 single, “I Hope You Dance,” became a huge hit, reaching No.1 on the charts and gaining widespread popularity.

Throughout her career, Lee Ann Womack has received numerous awards and recognition for her talent. She was named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 2001 and won Favorite New Country Artist at the American Music Awards in 1998.

13. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is a true legend in country music. Known as the “Queen of Country,” she rose to fame in the 2000s and has since sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Her passion for singing and performing emerged at a young age, and she honed her talents while singing at local rodeos and clubs.

With her powerful vocals and larger-than-life personality, Reba has dominated the charts like no other. She has released numerous successful albums and has an impressive 25 number-one country hits under her belt. In fact, she has had a longer run at the top of the country music charts than any other female artist.

14. Gretchen Wilson

Gretchen Wilson is an incredible American country music singer and songwriter who burst onto the scene in March 2004 with her debut album. It was an instant hit, earning Gretchen a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

As a teenager, Wilson was deeply influenced by legendary female vocalists such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Tanya Tucker. Their powerful voices inspired Gretchen to pursue her own singing career.

15. Shania Twain

Shania Twain, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is undoubtedly one of the most successful female artists in country music history. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, she has achieved a level of success that few can match.

Shania’s unique blend of country melodies and pop vocals made her a crossover sensation, appealing to fans from all genres. Her catchy tunes and powerful voice captivated audiences around the globe, propelling her to become the best-selling female artist in country music.

Over her impressive career spanning four decades, Shania Twain has earned numerous accolades and titles for her contributions to the industry.

16. LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes is an American artist who made a massive impact in the 2000s, initially emerging as a country musician. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Rimes rose to fame at a young age with her debut single, “Blue,” written by Billy Mack.

At just 13 years old, she topped the charts and became a sensation in the country music industry. Her talent was undeniable, and she won both a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Rimes has had an incredibly successful career as a singer, releasing numerous hits and albums throughout the years. With her incredible vocal abilities and ability to connect with audiences through her music, Rimes has left a lasting impact on the country music genre.

17. Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood, an American country singer with a musical career that spans over three decades, is one of the most successful female country artists. Hailing from Georgia, she burst onto the scene in 1991 with her debut single, “She’s in Love with the Boy,” which quickly became a chart-topping hit.

Yearwood’s talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. She has been honored with three Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, showcasing her incredible vocal prowess. Moreover, she has sold over 15 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling country artists in history.

18. Jo Dee Messina

Jo Dee Messina is an American country music artist who has made a significant impact on the country music scene. With six number-one singles on the Billboard charts, she has solidified her place among the best female country singers of the 2000s.

Influenced by legends like Patsy Cline and Reba McEntire, Messina’s heartfelt songs have resonated with fans across the country. From memorable hits to successful albums, she has sold over 5 million records throughout her career.

Despite facing challenges such as cancer and addiction, Jo Dee Messina continues to be an active and beloved figure in country music today.

19. Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler rose to fame as a contestant on the fifth season of “American Idol” in 2006, where her endearing personality and powerful shone through. Hailing from Albemarle, North Carolina, Pickler’s country roots ran deep, and she quickly transitioned from a reality TV star to a successful country artist.

Her debut album, “Small Town Girl” (2006), achieved gold status, and she earned critical acclaim for her heartfelt performances and authentic storytelling. Throughout the 2000s, Pickler released hit singles, receiving accolades such as the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year in 2008.

20. Sunny Sweeney

Hailing from Longview, Texas, Sunny Sweeney carved her path in country music during the 2000s with her authentic sound and honest songwriting. After independently releasing her debut album, Sweeney gained recognition within the Texas country music scene and later signed with a major label.

Her album received critical acclaim and featured her breakout hit “From a Table Away.” It earned her a nomination for the Academy of Country Music Awards New Female Vocalist of the Year.

21. Ashton Shepherd

With her rich, traditional country voice and undeniable charm, Ashton Shepherd emerged as a rising star in the late 2000s. Hailing from Leroy, Alabama, Shepherd’s upbringing in the Deep South heavily influenced her music.

Her debut single “Takin’ Off This Pain” (2007) garnered widespread attention, and her album “Sounds So Good” (2008) showcased her impressive storytelling ability. She received multiple award nominations, including the ACM Awards’ Top New Female Vocalist in 2009.

22. Laura Bryna

Laura Bryna’s country music journey began in Mount Airy, Maryland. In the mid-2000s, she burst onto the scene with her debut single, “Make a Wish,” and quickly garnered attention for her powerful vocals and vibrant personality.

Embracing a blend of traditional country and modern pop influences, Bryna’s music resonated with a diverse audience. Her performances and dedication to philanthropy earned recognition beyond the music industry, receiving honors like the USO Merit Award for supporting the U.S. military.

23. Jessica Andrews

Jessica Andrews made her mark on country music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Born in Huntingdon, Tennessee, her sweet voice and relatable lyrics endeared her to fans worldwide.

She achieved commercial success with hits like “Who I Am” and “Summer Girl.” Moreover, in 2001, Andrews won the CMA Horizon Award, recognizing her as a promising artist on the rise. Throughout the 2000s, she continued to release music that showcased her versatility as a performer and songwriter.

24. Carolyn Dawn Johnson

Canadian-born Carolyn Dawn Johnson brought her country roots to Nashville, Tennessee, where she gained prominence as a singer-songwriter in the 2000s. Her debut album “Room with a View” (2001), received critical acclaim and featured hit singles like “Georgia” and “Complicated.”

Johnson’s introspective lyrics and heartfelt performances resonated with audiences, leading her to receive multiple Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards and Juno Awards nominations.

25. Mindy McCready

Mindy McCready’s country career took off in the late 1990s and continued into the 2000s, where she showcased her powerhouse vocals and dynamic delivery. Hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, McCready scored several chart-topping hits and gained recognition for her authentic country sound.

Despite personal challenges, her talent and undeniable presence on stage earned her a dedicated fan base. McCready’s contributions to the genre were celebrated, and she received nominations for awards like the ACM Awards’ Top New Female Vocalist in 1997.

26. Julie Roberts

With her distinctive sultry voice, Julie Roberts emerged in the early 2000s as a fresh voice in country music. Raised in Lancaster, South Carolina, Roberts’ soulful sound and bluesy influences set her apart from her contemporaries.

Her debut single “Break Down Here” (2004) was a commercial success, and her self-titled debut album earned rave reviews. Despite facing health challenges, Roberts remained resilient and released music showcasing her soulful style and undeniable talent.

27. Terri Clark

Terri Clark rose to prominence in the late 1990s and became prominent in the 2000s country music scene. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Clark brought a unique perspective to country music with her Canadian roots and love for traditional country sounds.

In the 2000s, Terri Clark released several successful albums, including “Fearless” (2000) and “Pain to Kill” (2003). Her singles “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” “Girls Lie Too,” and “I Wanna Do It All” resonated with audiences and earned her multiple chart-topping hits.

Throughout the 2000s, Terri Clark received accolades and award nominations, including the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Female Artist of the Year. Her strong connection to her country roots and ability to deliver heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems made her influential in 2000s country music.

Top Female Country Singers Of The 2000s, Final Thoughts

In conclusion, an incredible roster of talented female country singers of the 2000s has left a lasting impact on the genre. From icons like Shania Twain and Reba McEntire to modern hit-makers like Carrie Underwood, they have paved the way for future generations of country artists.

Their powerful voices, heartfelt lyrics, and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire and entertain music fans worldwide.