The Women of country's 2018 Artist of the Year is Carly Pearce

Winner: Carly Pearce
Raised in Kentucky, Carly Pearce was destined for country music. Racing to the top of the charts this year, Carly Pearce continues to capture the hearts of her fans with the release of “Closer to You,” which reflects on her relationship with fellow artist and now fiancee Michael Ray. Additionally, Carly Pearce won New Female Vocalist of the Year at the ACM Awards and CMT awarded “Every Little Thing” the Breakthrough Video of the Year title. Having toured for Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Bryan it’s time Carly headline a tour of her own. Partnering with friend Russell Dickerson, the two will be co-headlining The Way Back Tour in 2019.

Runner Up: Lindsay Ell
Known for her mad guitar skills and often sporting blue nail polish, Canadian artist Lindsay Ell has earned her spot in as a 2018 Artist of the Year finalist. In 2013 Lindsay made the move to Nashville and released her first single “Trippin’ On Us,” which debuted as the most added song in both Canada and the United States. Last year Ell released her debut EP “Worth The Wait” which features six tracks including her current single “Champagne.” More recently Lindsay’s unique sound and exceptional guitar skills, have caught the eye of John Mayer and Keith Urban. In fact Lindsay Ell released “The Continuum Project” just this year, which includes 12 John Mayer songs covered by Ell herself.