Regardless of how old you are, country music might just be your favorite genre compared to the rest. Country music doesn’t have an age limit, which means people from every generation are welcome to bump western-themed songs at their leisure. Oftentimes, young adults openly talk about loving music from the pop and hip-hop genres. There’s an unspoken boldness and pride that comes along with the pop and hip-hop scenes.
Some of the most noteworthy pop music stars are Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. In the hip-hop world, musicians like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Travis Scott garner endless attention. Millennials never shy away from voicing their admiration for these top-notch stars. But what about country music singers?
Millennials are vocal about the country music stars they listen to the most when they hear songs they connect with. Since Millennials adore country music stars so much, festivals like Stagecoach continue scoring dates each year. Stagecoach, which is often compared to Coachella, is designed specifically for country music lovers to enjoy. It takes place at the same venue as Coachella and the ticket price points are super similar. While Coachella is a mixed bag of pop and hip-hop, Stagecoach focuses on country music alone. While we’re on the topic of country music, click here to uncover the most popular country stars among baby boomers.
To compile this list of the most popular country music stars among millennials, 24/7 Tempo consulted several entertainment sources. These include Billboard, Taste of Country, Last FM, Rolling Stone, and iHeartRadio.
Carrie Underwood
When Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of “American Idol,” it was a jaw-dropping moment in country music history. After Kelly Clarkson dominated the first season of “American Idol,” plenty of viewers assumed the show would focus on pop music contestants above anyone else. Underwood changed that narrative completely.
Millennials appreciate song from Underwood like “Before He Cheats,” ”If I Didn’t Love You,” and “The Champion.” Beyond her song list, Underwood’s impressive list of awards includes the Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year, the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and the Academy of Country Music Award for Entertainer of the Year.
Taylor Swift
Although plenty of people might not classify Taylor Swift as a full-fledged country music singer anymore, she originally rose to fame in the country music genre. Back then, millennials were a lot younger. Many of her fans grew up alongside her from her teenage years until now. Millennials fell in love with Swift’s music before she transitioned into the pop scene.
Some of her earlier country songs include “Our Song,” “You Belong with Me,” and “Love Story.” She even wrote an entire song dedicated to a country musician who inspired her in 2006 – Tim McGraw. One of the most memorable country songs from Swift’s discography is “Teardrops on My Guitar.” She wrote the country ballad and released it as part of her iconic self-titled debut album.
Miranda Lambert
With songs like “The House That Built Me,” “Space in My Heart,” and “If I Was a Cowboy” on Miranda Lambert’s discography, it isn’t surprising that she’s adored by millennials everywhere. Lambert has been around since 2001, and she hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since.
Since getting started, Lambert earned awards like the Academy of Country Music Award for Triple Crown, the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, and the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year. As of 2024, Lambert’s amassed a net worth of $60 million. It’s unlikely she would’ve become so wealthy as a country music star without love and respect from the millennial crowd.
Kacey Musgraves
Plenty of country music lovers can agree that Kacey Musgraves made the genre more enjoyable to listen to. The talented country music singer joined the industry in the early 2000s. She started strong with three back-to-back solo albums that fully highlighted her talent in the studio. Some of her most unforgettable songs have been “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Too Good to Be True,” and “Follow Your Arrow.”
Millennials love singing along to Musgraves’s music so much that she’s been awarded a long list of accolades as proof. Her current awards include the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, the Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year, and the Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year.
Lana Del Rey
When Lana Del Rey announced that she was going to be releasing a country music album, it left her fans totally divided. Earlier in 2024, she revealed that her upcoming album will be titled “Lasso.” In the past, Del Rey has been known to release music that fits into the dream pop and alternative categories. Her two most recent albums definitely classify as country to some degree, though.
Songs like “Blue Banisters,” “Let Me Love You Like A Woman,” and “Wild at Heart” have already given Del Rey’s fans a hint of what “Lasso” will be like once the entire track list is released. Millennials are undoubtedly obsessed with Del Rey since witnessing her rise to fame in 2011 with her debut single “Video Games.” The following year in 2012, “Summertime Sadness” went viral and her career blew up even more. Loads of millennials are prepared to embrace Del Rey’s transition from dream pop to country based on their love for her lyricism and overall aesthetic.
Kane Brown
The first song Kane Brown released was back in 2015, and it was titled “I Love That I Hate You.” The song’s success was a game-changing moment in Brown’s life since he proceeded to continue recording excellent music in the country music genre after that. Other songs from Brown include “One Thing Right,” “Bury Me in Georgia,” and “Like I Love Country Music.”
After winning the Academy of Country Music Award for Visual Media of the Year, the CMT Music Award for Male Video of the Year, and the American Music Award for Favorite Country Album, it shouldn’t come as a shock that millennials absolutely adore Brown and what he offers the country music world.
Luke Combs
Luke Combs’s career has been enough to get millennials falling head over heels in love. His first single, “Hurricane,” hit radios in 2016. He pressed on in the country music world with hit songs like “Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Kind of Love We Make,” and “When It Rains It Pours.”
Combs’s ability to be a true storyteller within the lyrics of his songs is one of the reasons millennials are so invested in his success story. Since his career started, Combs has taken home the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Album, the Country Music Association Award for Entertainer of the Year, and the Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year.
Morgan Wallen
Millennials can appreciate what Morgan Wallen brings to the country music industry. He participated on the sixth season of “The Voice” as part of Usher’s team to start. Later on, he became a member of Adam Levine”s team. Regardless of which celebrity he was working with, viewers were rooting for him to come out on top.
Since the hype of “The Voice” died down, Wallen has proven how loved he is among millennials with more than 7 million followers on Instagram. Some of his most noteworthy songs have been “Thought You Should Know,” “More Than My Hometown,” and “One Thing At a Time.”
Luke Bryan
It’s obvious that millennials are excited about Luke Bryan as a country music singer since he is a five-time winner of the Entertainer of the Year award from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Awards. Beyond those accolades, Bryan has much to show for himself.
He’s also taken home the iHeartRadio Music Award for Country Artist of the Year, the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Album, and the American Music Award for Favorite Male Artist Country. Based on his album sales and tour dates, he’s earned a net worth of $160 million from dedicated millennial fans.
Kelsea Ballerini
After releasing beautiful songs like “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Love Song to the Earth,” and “Better Luck Next Time” in her discography, Kelsey Ballerini has a lot to offer the country music industry. Millennials are convinced she’s an interesting singer to keep up with, which is why she has over 4 million followers on Instagram.
The first song Ballerini released was in 2014, and she’s been hot on the music trail ever since. As proof of her talent, she’s taken home the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Country Artist, the Country Music Association Award for Music Video of the Year, and the Radio Disney Music Award for Best New Artist.
Brittney Spencer
Singing and songwriting are two talents Brittney Spencer has mastered. The country music star has been in the music scene since going viral in 2020 with excellent covers of classic country songs. After that, she proceeded to release her own original songs for people to hear.
Some songs that have attracted millennials include “Bigger Than The Song,” “New To This Town,” and “First Car Feeling.” Spencer’s dedication to making it as a country music singer as a Black woman says a lot about her determination. Country music is often thought of as a genre full of Caucasian artists. Spencer is actively breaking down all those obstacles with each new song release.
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes has been on the scene as a country music singer since the 90s. In fact, her career started when she was only 13 years old with a song called “Blue.” Along with releasing country music, Rimes has dipped her toe into the pop category and the contemporary Christian category as well.
More than 40 of her singles have landed on international charts since she started drawing attention to herself and her singing talents. Some of Rimes’s most noteworthy songs have been “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way,” and “Looking Through Your Eyes.”
Ashley McBryde
After growing up in Arkansas, Ashley McBryde knew she wanted to pursue a career in the country music world. She dabbled with different genres when she was younger, but ultimately, she settled on country music. With songs like “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” and “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” under her belt, it’s not surprising that millennials are totally obsessed.
McBryde has a way with words and somehow always writes lyrics that are incredibly poetic and magical. There’s a reason so many millennials are inspired by her discography. So far, McBryde’s tour dates have been spread through American cities like Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, and Michigan.
Breland
LOS ANGELES, USA. February 01, 2024: Breland at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party 2024 at Citizen News.
Breland happens to be a country music star and record producer who goes by his last name alone. His full name is Daniel Gerard Breland, but he isn’t too concerned about being known that way. Along with country music, Breland also dabbles in the R&B, rap, soul, and gospel genres.
Some of his incredible songs have been “Heartbreak & Alcohol,” “Told You I Could Drink,” and “Real Men Don’t Cry.” Breland initially splashed onto the music scene in 2019 with his debut single “My Truck.” It gained traction on social media among millennial listeners. Breland’s tour dates give music lovers opportunity to catch his shows in Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Kentucky, and other American states.
Megan Maroney
When country music lovers think of Megan Maroney, some of her most catchy songs instantly come to mind. Maroney is the majestic voice behind “Sad Songs For Sad People,” “Can’t Break Up Now,” and “Sleep on My Side.” In 2021, she garnered attention from millennial music lovers with her first single “Wonder.”
After “Wonder” impressed the masses, she knew she was ready to move forward by releasing additional songs for people to fall in love with. Maroney is close to reaching 1 million followers on Instagram as it stands today. Since Instagram consists of loads of millennial users, it’s obvious that she’s on the right track with her millennial fan base.
Chayce Beckham
Chayce Beckham attracted his millennial fan base after participating on “American Idol” in 2021. Beckham knew he wanted to make an impact in the music world – and that’s exactly what he set out to do. He won the 19th season of the talent competition show and followed his win by releasing several amazing songs for his millennial fans to enjoy.
Some of his unforgettable songs include “Keeping Me Up All Night,” “Something Worth Holding On To,” and “Where The River Goes.” Beckham’s music is easy to relate to, which is why young adults are so drawn to it. His tour dates allow him to travel to different places throughout America including Texas, Ohio, New York, and Georgia.
Zac Brown
Millennials have been impressed by Zac Brown since his debut single “Chicken Fried” was released on country radio stations. Although he first recorded this song in 2003, it didn’t gain any traction until 2008. Brown went on to release songs like “Where the Boat Leaves From,” “As She’s Walking Away,” and “The Man Who Loves You The Most.”
Some of the notable awards he’s won include the Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year, the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, and the CMT Music Award for Group Video of the Year. Brown’s net worth of $50 million says a lot about where he currently stands in the country music world. It’s abundantly clear that millennial fans are interested in purchasing concert tickets and merchandise to support Brown on his path.
Miley Cyrus
No one is trying to argue that Miley Cyrus is solely known as a country music artist, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t released music that fits perfectly into the country music genre. Cyrus became famous after starring in “Hannah Montana” on Disney Channel at young age. She grew up and started releasing music that fit into just about every genre from pop to rap.
The most popular country song Cyrus released was called “The Climb” in 2009. She covered classic country songs like “Love Is Like A Butterfly” and “Jolene” by Dolly Parton to remind everyone how deep her country roots really go. As a reminder, Cyrus was born in Tennessee. Her millennial fans can appreciate her ability to record amazing music in the country music genre and beyond.
Jackson Dean
AUSTIN, TX - APR 2: Jackson Dean attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 2, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
Jackson Dean is beloved by millennials because he’s the brilliant voice behind songs like “Don’t Come Lookin’,” “Young and Wild,” and “Love You Anymore.” The singer songwriter has gone loads of respect for his ability to come up with some of the most thought-provoking lyrics ever. His gritty style of country music is something tons of millennials can relate to.
Dean attracts crowds with his cowboy hats and acoustic guitar whenever he’s ready to perform in front of live audiences. The first song he released was in 2022, which means he’s barely just getting started. Some of Dean’s most popular songs have raked in millions of views on YouTube from music lovers who enjoy his sound. His concert tour dates have taken him to different places across the United States, including California, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Beyoncé
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Recording artist Beyonce performs onstage during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for NARAS)
When people think of Beyoncé as a musician, country music might not automatically come to mind. That’s because she’s been in the music scene for decades that fits into the R&B and hip-hop genres. Most recently, she become a true country music star with two songs called “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
Some country music radio stations have proven how racist they are by blatantly choosing not to play Beyoncé’s songs for listeners to hear. Other country music radio stations are fully embracing Beyoncé as she makes her transition into the country music world. Her diehard fans are excited to watch her venture into new territory.
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton’s decision to be a judge on “The Voice” is one of the reason millennials love him so much. “The Voice” is a fabulous talent competition show Shelton starred on for 23 seasons. Beyond “The Voice,” Shelton’s music career has taken him quite far in the eyes of millennial fans. There’s a reason he won the Country Music Association Award for Entertainer of the Year, the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Artist, and the Academy of Country Music Award for Male Artist of the Year.
There’s also a reason he has a net worth of $130 million as it stands today. Plenty of country music stars wish they sell enough concert tickets and merchandise to reach that level of wealth, but Shelton was able to do it almost effortlessly. These are some of the most beloved country music singers who millennials adore. Click here to find out about the most hated people in the country music world.