Female Country Artists Who Made It Big After american Idol

The new season of American Idol airs February 16th featuring judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. Tune in to cast your vote for the next upcoming female country singer! “You’re going to Hollywood!” quickly turned into you’re “You’re going to Nashville!” for these successful women of country music. 

Carrie Underwood
Undeniably, the most successful star to come from American Idol, is our very own Carrie Underwood. Underwood was the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, and her debut single, “Inside Your Heaven” debuted at number one on the Billboard 100. Since her debut album, Some Hearts in 2005, Underwood has sold 70 million records worldwide, created her own athleisure line, blessed us with the NFL Sunday Night Football intro, and has truly made the world a better place for rising female artists. Her latest tour featured all female opening acts, Runaway June and Maddie & Tae. Please keep gracing us with your incredible talent for many more years to come Carrie! 

Kellie Pickler
Sweet southern, Kellie Pickler gained fame the season following Underwood. Pickler placed sixth on American Idol, but this did not stop her from releasing the catchy girl power hit, “Red High Heels.” She isn’t only a breathtaking singer, she can dance! Pickler won the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars with partner, Derek Hough. Wait, there is still more! She then went on to co-host the talk show, Pickler & Ben with Ben Aaron. What can’t the amazing Kellie Pickler do?

Lauren Alaina 
If you are not following Lauren Alaina’s journey. You are missing out! Not only is the Georgia native absolutely hilarious (with a talented knack for puns), she is a show-stopping singer. Alaina was the runner up on the tenth season of American Idol. Beginning singing at the age of 3, she was destined for greatness. Alaina then went on to open for acts such as Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Alan Jackson, and Blake Shelton. She attended the same high school as Kane Brown, and they went on to duet on his number one single, “What If’s.” Following her massive wave of success she went on to win New Female Vocalist of the year at the 2018 ACM Awards. Similar to Kellie Pickler, this girl can dance! Alaina was partnered with Gleb Savchenko on the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars. During her time on the show she danced to her own song, “The Other Side” in dedication to her step-father. Keep doing you Lauren, we love you! 

Gabby Barrett
Despite being only 19 years old, Gabby Barrett has made a name for herself in country music! Barrett finished third on the sixteenth season of American Idol. In the process, she found her soulmate and husband, Cade Foehner. Her post-breakup anthem, “I Hope” has received over 25 million streams. The Pittsburgh native sang in an all-black church choir during her teenage years, and has also performed the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Barrett has already gone on to open for country stars Toby Keith, Keith Urban, and Cole Swindell. This girl is only getting started, watch out for Gabby Barrett!

Kelly Clarkson
After becoming the first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson moved on to becoming a top artist across genres. Now a coach on The Voice and host of her own show, Kelly continues to win over fans. 

Maddie Poppe
Winner of season 16, Maddie Poppe won over the hearts of America and runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson. Following the release of her album “Whirlwind,” she announced a tour with Ingrid Michaelson. 
 
American Idol returns for its 18th season this Sunday (2/16) on ABC. 

Author

Haley Moloney