The 2000s were a transformative decade for Country music. We saw the rise of some of the best singers, songwriters, and entertainers in the world, going on to make waves across genres and inspiring people to new heights.
From young up-and-comers such as Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood bringing fresh sounds and pushing boundaries, to veteran artists like Kenny Chesney with hit singles that found their way onto radio playlists around the globe – this period saw many aspirants become chart-topping successes!
To honor them, we’ve put together this ultimate list of 100+ best country singers of the 2000s – you don’t want to miss it! Even if you are not usually into country music but just enjoy good tunes – there is something for everyone here!
Top Best Country Singers of the 2000s
While others have come and gone over the years, these are the singers who truly stood out in the 2000s and made an impact with their music. This list is based on the individual’s success and popularity in country music during this decade.
- Tim McGraw
- Shania Twain
- Toby Keith
- Kenny Chesney
- Carrie Underwood
- Faith Hill
- Taylor Swift
- Keith Urban
- Rascal Flatts
- Brad Paisley
2000 Female Country Singers
It’s hard to believe that the best female country singers of the 2000s have been making music for two decades now.
These women not only had commercial success but their lyrics, performance, and artistry have stood the test of time. To name a few, artists such as Sara Evans, Alison Krauss, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, and Dixie Chicks all made their mark in the 2000s.
And while some have since retired, many are still going strong, with their artistry still making waves in the industry. What a great time to be a fan of country music!
- Martina McBride
- Miranda Lambert
- The Chicks
- Kelly Clarkson
- Sara Evans
- Sherrié Austin
- Laura Bell Bundy
- Sarah Buxton
- Terri Clark
- Cyndi Thomson
2000 Male Country Singers
If you had to draw up a list of male superstars who took country music by storm in the 2000s, it would be hard to narrow it down.
Outstanding acts such as Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, George Strait, and Rascal Flatts all had hits that made them household names. And one thing that was common among them all was their crossover appeal.
Not only did they top the country charts, but their music also found success on the pop and rock radio stations as well, making them some of the most popular stars in all of music.
- Trace Adkins
- Jason Aldean
- Luke Bryan
- Gary Allan
- Rodney Atkins
- Keith Anderson
- Dierks Bentley
- Clint Black
- Chris Cagle
Early, Mid, and Late 2000s Country Singers
The early part of the decade saw the rise of Garth Brooks who returned to the stage after his short hiatus with his album “Scarecrow” which went 5X Platinum.
In the mid part, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood both started their career with hits such as “Love Story” and “Before He Cheats”.
And in the late part of this decade, Jason Aldean released his album “My Kinda Party” which propelled him to superstardom and earned him his first Grammy nomination.
Here are some other but equally important singers that made major impacts on the music scene during this era:
Early 2000s Country Singers
- Garth Brooks
- Paul Brandt
- Chad Brock
- Mark Wills
- Hank Williams III
Mid 2000s Country Singers
- Billy Currington
- Emily West
- Gretchen Wilson
- Trent Willmon
- Chuck Wicks
Late 2000s Country Singers
- Bucky Covington
- Jason Michael Carroll
- Ryan Bingham
- Lee Brice
- Easton Corbin
Young Country Singers of the 2000s
Every decade a fresh crop of talented young country singers emerges, and the 2000s were far from different. Coming from all walks of life, there was something special and unique about each artist that they brought to the genre. So, in this section, we will be looking at a few of the young stars both male and female that emerged during this decade.
- Chris Young ( Career started – 2003 )
- Josh Turner ( Career started – 2003 )
- Trent Tomlinson ( Career started – 2005 )
- Sugarland ( Career started – 2004 )
- Taylor Swift ( Career started – 2006 )
- Ashton Shepherd ( Career started – 2008 )
- Blake Shelton ( Career started – 2001 )
- Crystal Shawanda ( Career started – 2008 )
- Julie Roberts ( Career started – 2004 )
- Kellie Pickler ( Career started – 2006 )
Black Country Singers 2000s
Gone are the days when country music was primarily associated with white artists. The 2000s saw the emergence of several talented black country singers who made significant contributions to the genre.
These artists not only broke barriers but also brought a fresh perspective and sound to country music.
To name a few, there was Darius Rucker, who achieved great success as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish before transitioning to country music with hits such as “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and “Wagon Wheel.”
Charley Pride was another standout artist, who was already an established country singer in the 1970s but continued to release music throughout the 2000s.
And then there was Cowboy Troy, a unique artist who blended country music with rap to create his signature sound.
The contributions of these artists helped to redefine the genre, demonstrating that country music was accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience.
- Darius Rucker
- Charley Pride
- Cowboy Troy
- Aaron Neville
- Cleve Francis
- Dom Flemons
- Vicki Vann
- Petrella Ann Bonner
- Rhiannon Giddens
- Trini Triggs
Blonde Country Singers 2000s
Nothing says country music like a bottle of bleach and a hair salon appointment. These ladies may have had the twang in their voices, but they also had the bleach in their hair.
All jokes aside, blondes certainly made their mark in the 2000s country scene. They were not only talented singers but also captivating performers. Whether it was a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat anthem, these blonde country singers had it all. And for that, they deserve a spot on this list.
- Jo Dee Messina
- Mindy McCready
- Jessie James Decker
- Julianne Hough
- Kellie Pickler
- Reba McEntire
- Jessica Andrews
- Jennifer Nettles
- Jamie O’Neal
- Chely Wright
Country Gospel Singers of the 2000s
In many ways, Country Gospel Singers of the 2000s represented a return to simpler times when faith and family were at the center of people’s lives. They sang about things like love, loss, and redemption in a way that was honest and relatable.
In addition to being gifted singers, they were also prolific songwriters. They wrote music that was both uplifting and thought-provoking, and it is this combination that allowed them to stand out from the crowd.
That said here are a few of the Country Gospel singers of the 2000s that made a religious but also popular impact:
- Randy Travis
- Josh Turner
- Craig Morgan
- Travis Tritt
- Vince Gill
- The Oak Ridge Boys
- Ricky Skaggs
- Alison Krauss
- Diamond Rio
- The Statler Brothers
Country Pop Singers of the 2000s
Country pop has its origins in the 1960s and exploded in the 90s with the success of Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, and many others. In the 2000s the genre went from strength to strength, with many singers combining traditional and modern styles in their music.
And behind this success were hits such as Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”, The Dixie Chicks’ “Landslide”, Carrie Underwood’s “Inside Your Heaven” and Taylor Swift’s “Teardrops On My Guitar”.
Today the genre has become a force to be reckoned with, and it is these singers of the 2000s who started it all.
- Hunter Hayes
- Kacey Musgraves
- Taylor Swift
- Lady A
- Big & Rich
- Lila McCann
- Montgomery Gentry
- Gretchen Wilson
- Brad Martin
- Emerson Drive
Most Badass Country Singers of the 2000s
At the end of the day, Country Music is all about attitude. It’s a genre defined by its raw emotion and the stories it tells, and the singers on this list embody that spirit of toughness and resilience. These are the most badass country singers of the 2000s, whose music is as powerful today as it was when they first burst onto the scene.
- Johnny Cash – Even though he passed away in 2003, Johnny Cash’s outlaw reputation remains legendary.
- Willie Nelson – Willie Nelson is known for his outlaw image and his outspoken views on marijuana legalization.
- Hank Williams III – Hank Williams III is known for his aggressive style and his disregard for Nashville’s traditional country music scene.
- Shooter Jennings – Shooter Jennings is the son of Waylon Jennings and has continued his father’s outlaw legacy.
- Gretchen Wilson – Gretchen Wilson’s hit single “Redneck Woman” became an anthem for working-class women and solidified her status as a badass country singer.
- Kid Rock – While Kid Rock is not strictly a country singer, his fusion of country, rock, and rap has earned him a reputation as a musical outlaw.
- Miranda Lambert – Miranda Lambert’s songs often deal with themes of heartbreak, revenge, and rebellion, making her a favorite among badass country fans.
- Jamey Johnson – Jamey Johnson’s outlaw image is reinforced by his signature look of long hair, beard, and cowboy hat.
- Eric Church – Eric Church is known for his rock-influenced country sound and his rebellious lyrics.
- Brantley Gilbert – Brantley Gilbert’s songs often deal with themes of drinking, partying, and living life to the fullest, making him a favorite among outlaw country fans.
One Hit Wonder 2000s Country Singers
No list of the top country singers would be complete without mentioning those one-hit wonders who made an impact for a brief but memorable period. These artists may not have been able to sustain long-term success, but they certainly left their mark on country music with some unforgettable songs.
- James Otto for Just Got Started Lovin’ You
- Cyndi Thomson for What I Really Meant To Say
- The Wreckers for Leave The Pieces
- Jessica Andrews for Jessica Andrews for Who I Am
- Steve Azar for I Don’t Have To Be Me ‘Til Monday
- Heartland for I Loved Her First
- Billy Gilman for One Voice
- SheDaisy for Little Goodbyes
- Julie Roberts for Break Down Here
- Chad Brock for Yes
Forgotten Country Singers o the 2000s
Last but not least, there are those artists who flew under the radar during their heyday but deserve to be recognized for their contributions. So, this section is all about shining a light on the forgotten country singers of the 2000s.
- Trent Tomlinson
- Josh Gracin
- Jeff Bates
- Julie Roberts
- Jimmy Wayne
- Danielle Peck
- Blaine Larsen
- Jason Michael Carroll
- Katrina Elam
- Whitney Duncan
Wrapping Up
As you saw, there was a lot of variation within the country music scene in the 2000s. From traditionalists to rap-country hybrids, this era saw an incredible array of talent that pushed the boundaries and inspired generations of fans.
And while these are some of the most notable names, they merely scratch the surface. There were countless other talented singers that deserve recognition, and it is our hope that this list will serve as a jumping-off point for fans to explore their favorite country music artists.
So take a look at this list and discover some of the best country singers from this decade. You won’t be disappointed!
