Country music has long felt like a boy's club.

From the genre's humble beginnings of Hank Williams, Roy Acuff and Jimmie Rodgers, through the outlaw movement of Johnny Cash, George Jones and Merle Haggard, to more modern day giants like Garth Brooks, George Strait and Tim McGraw, men have been dominating the genre for nearly a century.

Even now, megastars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan have comfortably inherited the position, virtually ruling the airwaves of country music and beyond for the majority of 2023. Those three have almost single-handedly helped the genre become arguably the biggest it's ever been — and it's finally opening the door for women to join in.

As the genre has boomed over the last year or so, it's created an opportunity for female artists to get in on a bigger slice of the pie. While the guys were out there wooing the mainstream, a handful of ladies were making their own fair share of noise with superstars Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves and Carly Pearce showing the genre what girl power is all about, and representing at the 2024 GRAMMYs as a result.

Of course, a handful of female artists have been able to push through the cracks through the years, from Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. But historically, women have largely been chasing equal stature in the country music limelight. The genre's gender gap came to a head with 2015's "Tomato-gate" controversy, when radio consultant Keith Hill compared radio airplay to a salad, with the men as the lettuce and women as a tomato garnish.

Although airplay hasn't necessarily grown (a recent study found that female artists received an abysmal 11 percent of airplay in 2022), that hasn't stopped women in the genre from making an impact. In the last few years, a growing group of women have been rewriting the rules, nabbing major award nominations and wins, selling out headlining tours, notching No. 1s and breaking records — and they only seem to be gaining speed.

As a new year begins, take a look at a few of the ways women are breaking through in country music.

GRAMMY Representation

For the past few GRAMMYs ceremonies, we've been seeing more and more female names in country music listed among the nominees.

The shift was first really felt at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards in 2021, when women dominated the nominations thanks to the colossal successes of Best New Artist nominee Ingrid Andress, country stalwart Miranda Lambert and female supergroup the Highwomen (comprised of previous GRAMMY winners Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires).

Female artists have continued to carve out their spot in GRAMMY history with nominations and wins. One of the most notable wins came in 2023, when Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde's history-making duet, "Never Wanted To Be That Girl," claimed Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Pearce is once again nominated in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category at the 2024 GRAMMYs, this year for her chilling duet with decorated tunesmith Chris Stapleton, "We Don't Fight Anymore," which could find her claiming the prize for a second consecutive year.

While women don't dominate the Country Field nominees at the 2024 GRAMMYs, Pearce isn't alone. There's plenty of success stories throughout the categories, and one of the people leading that charge is Lainey Wilson.

More than a decade after moving to Nashville, Wilson's fourth studio album, Bell Bottom Country, has been propelling her to the forefront of the genre. The album helped earn Wilson a nomination for Best Country Album — one of her first two career GRAMMY nominations, the other for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Save Me," her evocative collaboration with country-rap trailblazer (and 2024 Best New Artist nominee), Jelly Roll.

One of the genre's most enduring duets of 2023, Zach Bryan and Kacey Muscgraves' "I Remember Everything," is also in the running for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Along with debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reigning atop Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart for 16 weeks as of press time, the collab continued Musgraves' GRAMMY success. Also nominated for Best Country Song, "I Remember Everything" brings Musgraves' nomination total to 13; as of press time, she's won 6 GRAMMYs, including the coveted Album Of The Year in 2019 for Golden Hour.

Seasoned singer/songwriter Brandy Clark secured the most nominations of all the female country artists, with 6 nods across the Musical Theater, Americana and Country categories. Notably, her twice-nominated "Buried," included on her self-titled LP, nabbed nominations for both Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

Dolly Parton earned her 54th GRAMMY nomination this year, for Best Country Solo Performance for her solo version of one of her earliest hits, "The Last Thing On My Mind." First released in 1967 as her debut duet with Porter Wagoner, the 2023 version of the song features Parton's signature, soulful vocals and was included in the I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100 tribute album.

Elsewhere in the 2024 GRAMMY nominations, pop-country darling Kelsea Ballerini is nominated alongside Wilson in the Best Country Album category with her Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP. The triumphant and soul-bearing project led to one of her most commercially and critically successful years to date (more on that later).

Growing Success At Country Radio & Beyond

As her two GRAMMY nominations indicate, Lainey Wilson was arguably country music's woman of 2023. Notching four trips to the top of the Mediabase Country Airplay chart in 2023, she set two records: most No. 1s by a female country artist in a calendar year and most No. 1's on Billboard's Country Airplay chart by a female artist this decade. This was thanks to her own "Heart Like A Truck" and "Watermelon Moonshine," as well as her HARDY collaboration "wait in the truck" and the aforementioned Jelly Roll team-up "Save Me."

Beyond her profound radio success, 2023 also saw Wilson nab four ACM Awards and five CMA trophies; at the latter, she won Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and the coveted Entertainer of the Year, whose last female winner came in 2011 with country-turned-pop superstar, Taylor Swift.

Wilson's fellow Best Country Album nominee, Kelsea Ballerini, also had a banner year. While her nominated Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP didn't spawn a radio hit, it made quite an impression on streaming and social media. Due to its raw account of her public divorce from singer Morgan Evans, Ballerini's latest project helped her sell out her headlining tour, receive an invite to perform on Saturday Night Live, and earn an array of major award nominations.

Another proven hitmaker, Carly Pearce, nabbed her fourth No. 1 with her heartbreak anthem, "What He Didn't Do," which reached the top of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart last March. Newcomer Megan Moroney topped the same chart in June with her 2022 debut single, "Tennessee Orange," which helped her have a remarkable breakout year including her first award and a sold-out tour.

Rising country star Priscilla Block also secured a No. 1 on Mediabase's Country Airplay chart with her Justin Moore duet, "You, Me, and Whiskey," while more veteran act Gabby Barrett — who scored back-to-back No. 1 hits on Billboard's Country Airplay chart in 2020 and 2021 — reached the top 10 of the chart in 2023 with her single "Pick Me Up."

Female Artists On the Horizon

In the last 12 months, rising female country artists hit their stride, bringing a lot of promise to tackling the genre's gender gap. Hailey Whitters landed her first chart entry on both Billboard's Country Airplay and Hot 100 charts with her breakthrough single, "Everything She Ain't," which broke the top 20 on the former tally. Sister duo Tigirlily Gold saw their debut single, "Shoot Tequila," surge into the top 40 on country radio while they also juggled making their Opry debut, a loaded touring schedule and the release of their acclaimed Blonde EP.

Aside from the radio dial, women also had massive years on the road, earning major touring slots with some of the genre's big hitters. Big Loud prodigy Ashley Cooke put out her debut effort, Shot in the Dark, which propelled her onto Luke Bryan's Country Again Tour and Jordan Davis' Damn Good Time Tour. Meanwhile, Ella Langley, a country-rocker in the making, spent her year alongside Riley Green and Jon Pardi, as songs from her debut EP, Excuse the Mess, garnered millions of streams.

Beyond commercial success, there are a slew of burgeoning female singer/songwriters who are also poised to break through. Alana Springsteen, who released her three-part twenty something project in 2023, is establishing herself as one of the newest (and most relatable) voices in the country-pop world. Meanwhile, Lauren Watkins — who doubled down in 2023 with two EPs, Introducing: Lauren Watkins and Introducing: The Heartbreak — is reinventing the neo-traditional, retro country music of generations past.

Similarly, "The Voice" alum Emily Ann Roberts is out to make traditional country cool again as demonstrated on her debut LP, Can't Hide Country, while Catie Offerman, a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist, is bringing her Texas charm and clever turns of phrase into the country mainstream one infectious single at a time.

Next up is Brittney Spencer, who will release her debut album, My Stupid Life, on Jan. 19. As her glistening, genre-bending music continues to gain commercial traction, she's already loved by critics and artists alike; Maren Morris just recruited her for a dynamic performance of "The Tree" on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" alongside Mickey Guyton.

While it's impossible to mention all of the country women out there making moves, it's more than evident that female artists are ready to take up more of the country music landscape than ever before — and 2024 might just be the year that women finally get their due.

2023 In Review: 5 Trends That Defined Country Music

The annual GRAMMY Awards voting process this year kicks off Friday, Oct. 4, with First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs, a process that determines the nominees at the GRAMMY Awards each year. 

Voting Members of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, are able to cast their ballots for a variety of GRAMMY Categories to be awarded on Music's Biggest Night. The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, so it's essential to get involved from the beginning. 

Before First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs gets underway, hear from some of music’s leading artists and Recording Academy Voting Members, including Troye Sivan, Coco Jones, Will Smith, John Legend, and others, speak about the importance of GRAMMY voting this year and every year.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's membership process and requirements.

For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process; read our First Round Voting guide for the 2025 GRAMMYs; read about the key updates happening at the 2025 GRAMMYs; read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section; view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines; and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

Read More: The Recording Academy Adds More Than 3,000 Women GRAMMY Voters Since 2019, Surpassing Its 2025 Membership Goal

As October rolls in, the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and New York City is set to host an exciting lineup of live discussions and performances. This month’s programming features a diverse array of artists, including Kacey Musgraves, Khalid, Tems, Samara Joy, and Shelby Lynne, along with icons like Slash and Laurie Anderson.

Whether you're a fan of soulful jazz, indie pop, or rock legends, these events offer an intimate look into the creative processes of some of the industry's most compelling artists. From Travis Barker to Will Smith, the GRAMMY Museum continues to be a hub for music lovers to experience one-of-a-kind performances and discussions with their favorite artists.

Check out the comprehensive list of must-attend GRAMMY Museum public programs for October 2024:

The Drop: Shelby Lynne

Oct. 1, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

Shelby Lynne joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening discussing her latest music, her career, and creative process, with a performance to follow.

Inside Deeper Well: An Evening with Kacey Musgraves

Oct. 2, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Sold Out - Join Waitlist

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome seven-time GRAMMY-winning artist Kacey Musgraves to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing her latest album, Deeper Well, and her creative process and career, with a performance to follow. The discussion will be moderated by Melena Ryzik. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.  

Read more: Why 2024 Is The Year Women In Country Music Will Finally Have Their Moment

An Evening With Will Smith

Oct. 3, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome 4-time GRAMMY-winning artist Will Smith to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his upcoming music, creative process, and legendary career, with a performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy the rooftop and a cash bar prior to the program.  

An Evening With Slash & Mike Clink

Oct. 4, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

L.A.

Sold Out - Join Waitlist

Slash, the iconic, GRAMMY-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, guitarist, and songwriter will join guests at the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his latest album Orgy of the Damned, a star-studded, vibrant homage to the blues. GRAMMY Hall of Fame Producer and longtime Slash collaborator Mike Clink will join the conversation to discuss the creative process for the album, and an intimate acoustic performance will follow. Attendees can enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.   

A New York Evening With Arooj Aftab

Oct. 4, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

Buy Tickets

Arooj Aftab joins GRAMMY Museum guests at The Greene Space in NYC to celebrate her latest album, Night Reign. Aftab will detail her creative process and more in discussion with Jem Aswad, with a special performance to follow. 

Watch: Run The World: How Pakistani Singer Arooj Aftab Reimagined Genre & Made GRAMMY History

Spotlight: Jessica Pratt

Oct. 8, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

Jessica Pratt joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her career and discussing her latest album, Here in the Pitch, creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.

A New York Evening With Samara Joy

Oct. 8, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

Sold Out - Join Waitlist

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome three-time GRAMMY-winning artist Samara Joy to The Greene Space in NYC to celebrate her latest album, Portrait, her creative process and more. Joy will be in discussion with the author and music journalist Marcus J. Moore, with a special performance to follow.

Read more: Samara Joy Won Best New Artist At The 2023 GRAMMYs. What Could It Mean For The Wider Jazz Community?

Spotlight: Tems

Oct. 9, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Sold Out - Join Waitlist

Nigeria-based singer/songwriter, and producer Tems will join guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening moderated by Billboard’s Gail Mitchell. Tems will discuss her debut album, Born in the Wild, her career, and creative process. A performance will follow her talk.

Learn more:Tems On How 'Born In The Wild' Represents Her Story Of "Survival" & Embracing Every Part Of Herself

A New York Evening With Ben Platt

Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

Buy Tickets

Ben Platt joins GRAMMY Museum guests at National Sawdust in Brooklyn to talk about his album Honeymind, his creative process behind the project, his career, and more, with a special performance to follow.  Platt is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast. "A New York Evening With" is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation.  

Read more: Inside Ben Platt's 'Honeymind': How Queer Love, Live Performance & More Led To His Most Authentic Album Yet

A Conversation With Deryck Whibley of Sum 41

Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 to the Clive Davis Theater for an evening of conversation discussing the stories behind his memoir, Walking Disaster" the creative process behind writing the book, and more with Matt Pinfield. Tickets to this event include admission and a signed copy of the memoir.

Read more: Sum 41 Says Farewell: Deryck Whibley Shares His Favorite Memories With The Pop-Punk Icons

Sensory Friendly Saturdays

Oct. 12, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

Experience Sensory Friendly Saturday on the second Saturday of every month. Families can enjoy our space with less crowding, quieter sound levels and lower lighting on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Guests can purchase tickets when they arrive at the Museum or they can purchase online for the applicable Saturday.

Reel to Reel: Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It

Oct.13, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host the Los Angeles premiere of Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It in the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater. There will be a post-screening panel discussion featuring Director Paris Barclay, artist Cory Henry and Producers Stephanie Allain and Jeanne Elfant Festa. 

Spotlight: Khalid

Oct. 14, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Sold Out - Join Waitlist

Khalid joins guests at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his latest release, Sincere, in discussion about his career and creative process, with a performance to follow.

Spotlight: FLETCHER

Oct. 14, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

FLETCHER joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her latest sophomore album, In Search Of The Antidote, her creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.

Read more: FLETCHER Is "F—ing Unhinged" & Proud Of It On 'In Search Of The Antidote'

A New York Evening With Laurie Anderson

Oct. 16, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

Buy Tickets

Laurie Anderson joins GRAMMY Museum guests for an intimate conversation moderated by Anderson Cooper about her latest album, Amelia, with a performance to follow, at City Winery in New York City. Anderson is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast. "A New York Evening With…" is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation. 

A Conversation With Travis Barker

Oct. 16, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

Iconic drummer and producer Travis Barker joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating and discussing his career, latest music with blink-182 and others and a conversation about creative process, and more.

Read more: Blink-182 Essentials: 15 Songs That Prove They're Rock's Most Serious Unserious Band

The Drop: Pete Yorn

(Moderated By Matt Pinfield)

Oct. 17, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

Pete Yorn joins guests at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his career and discussing his latest album, The Hard Way, his creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.

An Evening With Vampire Weekend

Oct. 21, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

Vampire Weekend will be in discussion at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater to celebrate their latest album, Only God Was Above Us. Band members will also discuss their creative process, tour, and more, with a performance to follow.

A New York Evening With Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Oct. 22, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

Buy Tickets

In partnership with Americana Music Association, the GRAMMY Museum will host an intimate conversation with GRAMMY Award-winning artist Dave Alvin and GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Jimmie Dale Gilmore followed by a performance at The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR in New York City. The conversation will include a discussion moderated by Warren Zane about the making of their new album, TexiCali, their collaboration, creative process, and more. 

A New York Evening With Kelsea Ballerini

Oct. 25, 2024 from 8 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

Buy Tickets

The GRAMMY Museum and Collective by 92NY will host four-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini for an intimate conversation about her album, Patterns, her creative process, and more, followed by a special performance at The 92nd Street Y: David Geffen Stage at Kaufman Concert Hall.

Kelsea Ballerini is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast.

Film Screening – A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Oct. 26, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

L.A.

Buy Tickets

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to present a special screening of A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater, followed by a discussion with the film’s directors, legendary Wu-Tang Clan Founder RZA and Gerald K. Barclay (Gee-Bee), and moderated by Raqiyah Mays. The post-screening discussion will also spotlight RZA’s new classical music album, A Ballet Through Mud.

This free program will be hosted by Schyler O’Neal, Senior Manager of Education & Community Engagement at the GRAMMY Museum, and is presented in partnership with the Hip-Hop Education Center.

Reel To Reel: Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus

Oct. 28, 2024 at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Join Waitlist

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host a special screening of Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus and a panel discussion about the legacy of Sakamoto with award-winning musician Flying Lotus and award-winning director Barry Jenkins.

The Drop: Andy Grammer

Oct. 30, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

L.A.

Join Waitlist

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome award-winning artist Andy Grammer to the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his latest album, Monster, with a discussion about his creative process behind the project and a performance.

Lainey Wilson will be in discussion, with a performace to follow, at the GRAMMY Museum on Sept. 5. Learn more about the event here.

If there's one word to describe Lainey Wilson's life in the past year, it's whirlwind — which is exactly how she chose the name of her third album.

Since releasing Bell Bottom Country in 2022, the Louisiana-bred singer has been on an unprecedented tear. Whether she's selling out arenas nationwide, collecting countless awards, or launching or own line with Wrangler, Wilson is country music's newest queen. 

It's the culmination of a long and hard-fought journey for Wilson, who first moved to Nashville over a decade ago with not much more than a dream. But as she explained to GRAMMY.com earlier this year, Wilson has been manifesting this level of country music success since she wrote her first song at just 9 years old. 

"I've dedicated my life to it," she said. "And it really is cool to just feel like that little 9-year-old girl who was writing her first song, that she wasn't completely crazy."

Read More: Lainey Wilson On How Her Stardom Is A Testament To "Believin' And Receivin'"

Wilson grinded behind the scenes in songwriter rooms and at local gigs during her early years in Nashville, independently releasing her self-titled debut record in 2014, followed by the fittingly titled Tougher in 2016. It was a time of trial by fire as Wilson was learning how to navigate not only Nashville's music scene, but honing her own voice as a songwriter as well.

"Each album has been a reflection of the season I was in at the time,"  Wilson tells GRAMMY.com now. "My first album was the safest. I was young and had just moved to Nashville, but still hadn't seen too much of the world just yet. My next album became more confident and a little sassy. After that, I started to really discover my north star, staying open to all kinds of people and opportunities and sticking with the parts that felt the most authentic to me."

Just months before signing with Broken Bow Records in 2018, she delivered another self-titled project – this time, an EP, which conveyed both gratitude and sensitivity with songs like "Dreamcatcher" and "Breakin' Your Heart." Both qualities would soon become Wilson's trademark, and what particularly made listeners gravitate toward her breakthrough hit (and eventual first No. 1 at country radio), "Things A Man Oughta Know."

First appearing on her 2019 EP, Redneck Hollywood, "Things" was the second single on her debut studio album, 2021's Sayin' What I'm Thinkin'. Along with putting Wilson on the map, the LP also introduced fans to her unique style that she calls "bell bottom country" — sonically, a mix of nostalgic and twangy, pop-tinged sounds that never takes itself too seriously; visually, presented with flair (and flare) in her now-signature bell bottom pants.

"It's finding that thing that makes you unique, and leaning into it," Wilson told Rolling Stone in 2021. "It could be your story, your sound, where you're from, how you're raised, how you dress. I kept thinking about those words, 'bell-bottom country'…how can we do this? I definitely wanted a bit of Bobbie Gentry vibe, but also the pureness of Lee Ann Womack but also the sassiness of Dolly Parton. I wanted it to feel timeless and classic and, honestly, a little not too perfect."

Once "Things A Man Oughta Know" topped the charts, it wasn't long before Wilson did it again with Cole Swindell on "Never Say Never," her first of several chart-topping duets to come. She also hit the road opening for Jason Aldean, setting her up as an artist to watch and ensuring that she wouldn't be a flash-in-the-pan success story.  

After being unapologetically herself on Sayin' What I'm Thinkin', Wilson doubled down on that sentiment — and her brand — with Bell Bottom Country, a 16-song exploration of classic country instrumentation with glimmering '70s rock elements. It saw Wilson tell her story more than ever before, from the heartfelt ode to her father, "Those Boots (Deddy's Song)," to the strong-willed generational tale of "Wildflowers & Wild Horses." 

Though Bell Bottom Country was a bit of a slow burn — peaking at No. 9 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart — Wilson's place in the country music zeitgeist was rapidly rising. Two weeks after Bell Bottom Country arrived, she made her acting debut as a guest star in "Yellowstone"; a month later, her booty-hugging bell bottoms went viral on TikTok.

Within the next several months, Bell Bottom Country spawned two No. 1 hits: the dynamic resilience tale, "Heart Like a Truck," and the "Strawberry Wine"-esque "Watermelon Moonshine." By the end of 2023, she'd score four No. 1s (thanks to collabs with HARDY and Jelly Roll), serve as direct support for Luke Combs' stadium tour, and become a brand ambassador for Wrangler jeans and Stella Rosa wines — all of it propelling Wilson to becoming a household name. And by May 2024, she'd scooped up three of the most coveted country awards: Entertainer Of The Year at both the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy Of Country Music Awards, and a GRAMMY for Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country.

As her fame rose, Wilson had to make a conscious effort to stay grounded — especially because her personal life presented a whirlwind of its own. While the singer's career, as she puts it, "had me feeling like I was holding on to the tail of an airplane," her dad experienced several health issues, and simultaneously, she was balancing a relationship with former NFL quarterback Devlin Hodges.

"I had to learn how to rise to the occasion, deal with the pressure, and tend to my feelings and personal life around it all," Wilson explains. "I didn't feel in control of anything; like I was the victim of the chaos."

But as she started to make peace with her new reality, Wilson found solace in music. Soon, she had the makings of her fifth album, Whirlwind. "I [found] my footing through writing these songs and committing to a few good habits that have helped me become my best self," she adds.

Like Bell Bottom Country, Whirlwind sees Wilson telling her story — so, naturally, this time, there's a lot more love songs. "Counting Chickens" and "4x4xU" hint that she's found her life partner, while "Hang Tight Honey" and "Good Horses" remind that she won't let fame get in the way of a good thing. (Even the title track flips the proverbial whirlwind of her career into a metaphor for love: "We're a whirlwind/ But baby, loving you's a breeze.")

Whirlwind largely expands on Wilson's signature country flair, but a standout is the hip-hop, rock and country mash-up "Ring Finger" (which, ironically, is a breakup song; "I got the ring, he got the finger," she sings on the chorus). Much like with her previous two albums, Wilson teamed up with producer Jay Joyce for the project, noting that his willingness to experiment has helped her establish a sound that's fresh and unique, but also classic and timeless — a formula that's only proving to be more and more successful for the singer.

"I've become more confident, first and foremost," Wilson says of her growth. "I've seen beautiful things that come from pressure, and the things it can break. From that, I feel like I am writing with more wisdom and understanding and doing so in a way that kind of observes feelings instead of getting lost in them."

That wisdom and understanding is perhaps most apparent on "Middle Of It," an autobiographical illustration of how she's navigated her growing success. But whether she's exploring new sounds or new storylines, Wilson continues to prove that she'll never lose sight of the country-loving, hard-working girl she's always been.

Whirlwind paints a picture of Wilson rising above her success and its ensuing chaos, ultimately finding herself more at ease than ever before. It's all proof that her long-traveled journey has been well worth it — she's helped make country music cool again, and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Another month has passed us by, and August brings us closer to the end of the season. However, several new tracks and albums have dropped to lift our spirits. With brand new projects like Khalid's Sincere, Maren Morris' Intermission, and 49 Winchester's Leavin' This Holler, the beginning of August promises bright things ahead.

A slew of singles dropped, too, from exciting collaborations like Charli XCX's "Guess" remix with Billie Eilish and Jessie Murph's new track with Teddy Swims to new offerings from Big Sean, Jhené Aiko, Jelly Roll, Suki Waterhouse, and more. Whether you're looking for full projects or a few new playlist additions, you will not be disappointed.

As you prepare to close out summer, be sure to check out these 10 new songs and albums.

Just 24 hours after Charli XCX set the internet ablaze with a tease of her next collaboration, she not only unveiled the special guest, but she also dropped the track as a New Music Friday-eve gift: a remix of "Guess" with her fellow pop queen, Billie Eilish.

The pulsating song keeps the same club-ready aesthetic of the original from Charli XCX's brat, but taps into the sexual fluidity of Eilish's HIT ME HARD AND SOFT with the "LUNCH" singer adding a new verse (fans particularly went into a frenzy over Eilish's line "Charli likes boys but she knows I'd hit it"). The track offers a raunchy brand of girl power, further emphasized by the underwear-strewn video, as the unworn undergarments will be donated to survivors of domestic violence through I Support the Girls.

Seven-time GRAMMY-winner Kacey Musgraves is expanding the well she first introduced in March. With the release of Deeper Well, Musgraves showcased a softer side of herself that she discovered during periods of self-introspection following significant changes in her life.

Now, with Deeper into the Well, she takes us further along on her journey. Musgraves gave a taste of the additional seven songs with the release of her single "Irish Goodbye," which narrates the tale of someone struggling to find forgiveness for someone who abruptly left. The extended edition also includes two new features, "Perfection" with Tiny Habits and "Superbloom" with Leon Bridges.

The release comes one month before Musgraves is set to kick off her Deeper Well World Tour in Pennsylvania; she'll hit cities on both coasts, and conclude in Nashville in December.

Read More: For The Record: Why Kacey Musgraves' Timeless Album Golden Hour Still Shines 5 Years Later

Maintaining her message of confidence and self-worth, Saweetie releases "My Best," an unapologetic anthem that emphasizes knowing your worth and surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your best interests.

The music video visually represents Saweetie's personal growth, both as an individual and as an artist. Shot at hometown landmarks like her high school and childhood neighborhood, she invites fans on a nostalgic journey of introspection — while also reminding them to stay true to themselves.

Learn More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Saweetie On Her Long-Awaited Album Pretty B^^^^ Music & Why Women Rappers "No Longer Need A Co-Sign"

Four years after her smash "Dance Monkey" took over the world, Tones and I releases her second studio album, Beautifully Ordinary. The follow-up to 2021's Welcome to the Madhouse, the 16-song project reflects the artist's growth, exploring themes of nostalgia, love, and self-acceptance. Each song invites listeners to embark on an emotional, personal journey with Tones and I, offering a source of catharsis for those who relate to her experiences.

Tones and I first gave listeners a taste of the project in June with lead single "Dance With Me," a track that delves into themes of heartbreak and desperation. Despite its underlying message of loneliness, the track retains Tones and I's signature upbeat rhythms and vibrant instrumentals — and the rest of Beautifully Ordinary follows suit, offering intimate and heartfelt narratives through her radiant musicality.

Celebrating the six-times-platinum debut album that catapulted them to stardom, Sam Smith is releasing the 10th anniversary edition of In The Lonely Hour. This special edition features a reimagined version of their classic "Stay With Me," and a brand new track, "Little Sailor."

The original project launched Smith's career into the stratosphere, receiving critical acclaim and earning them four golden gramophones at the 2015 GRAMMYs, including Best New Artist.

"I feel so incredibly lucky to be celebrating this milestone with you," Smith wrote on Instagram. "My team and I have created this beautiful anniversary edition for us all, and for the last 10 years."

Learn More: 9 Times Queer Artists Made History At The GRAMMYs: From Elton John's Collab With BSB To Kim & Sam's "Unholy" Union

Fresh off going three-for-three at the 2024 GRAMMYs, Killer Mike delivers another potent project, Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs For Sinners & Saints. A follow-up to his autobiographical album 'MICHAEL', the 10-song collection dives deeper into his personal narrative, offering an epilogue filled with introspection and celebration — including the poignant track "HUMBLE ME," which reflects on his arrest after winning his GRAMMYs in February.

Killer Mike provided fans with a gift, releasing the album as a free download for the first 48 hours. In support of the release, Killer Mike electrified audiences with six performances over three nights at the legendary Blue Note jazz club in NYC, including a live-streamed show that attracted nearly 100,000 viewers. This project is a testament to Killer Mike's ongoing dialogue with his audience, addressing both tribulations and triumphs. As the tour continues with a stop at Lollapalooza just one day after the album's release, fans can engage further with tracks like "NOBODY KNOWS" and "HIGHER LEVEL," which offer a glimpse into the rapper’s evolving journey and continued impact on hip-hop.

Still riding high from her vocals featured on Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER, country star Tiera Kennedy releases her latest single, "Cry," which samples Justin Timberlake's 2002 Timbaland-produced hit "Cry Me A River." It's another taste of Kennedy's forthcoming debut album, which she dubs "R&B/country."

"I've been really inspired by the music I grew up listening to," Kennedy shared in an Instagram video. "Timbaland had a hand in a lot of those songs."

Known for her distinctive approach to blending genres, Kennedy invites listeners to immerse themselves in her world of creative storytelling with her latest track. "Cry" explores the narrative of someone who has made their bed and has to lie in it, while Kennedy has already moved on.

Explore More: A Brief History Of Black Country Music: 11 Important Tracks From DeFord Bailey, Kane Brown & More

Returning with his third studio album, electronic artist Gryffin embarks on a new era and unveils a fresh side of his artistry with PULSE. The 14-track album features collaborations with a range of artists, including Rita Ora, Disco Lines, MAX, and more.

"PULSE is a return to why I fell in love with dance music in the first place, and this is the most creatively inspired I've felt in years," said Gryffin on Instagram. "I can't wait for you all to hear the new sound and feel the passion I've put into these tracks."

After more than a year of not releasing music, John K is back with a new single, "Lost." It's a song that vulnerably reveals feelings of completeness after finding the right person — a fitting narrative for the happily married singer, who is expecting his second child with his wife, Lenée.  . Becoming a father is one of the several major life changes John K has experienced in the past few years, all of which have shaped his upcoming music and brought his musical artistry to the next stage.

"I was writing with the aim of challenging myself to do something I hadn't done before," John K said in a press statement. "I shattered the box of what I thought I had to be, and it allowed me to get to deeper levels of honesty and really gain even more confidence. I took risks, and I honestly expressed myself.

After releasing two albums within four months in 2022, Jack White has essentially gone silent since — until now. Just two days after announcing his sixth studio album, No Name, the rock icon unveils his latest masterpiece.

The 13-track album stays true to White's DIY philosophy, with the recording, production, and mixing all handled by the artist himself at his own Third Man Studio. Even before the album dropped on Aug. 2, reviews were already glowing, with Variety calling it the album "fans have been lusting for" due to its parallels to the rip-roaring rock of his former band the White Stripes — but "without seeming retro or leaning too heavily on nostalgia."

Explore More: Songbook: A Guide To Jack White's Musical Outlets, From The White Stripes To The Dead Weather & Beyond

Ahead of his forthcoming album, Album of the Year #1 Funkateer, Bootsy Collins has released "Pure Perfection," a smooth, sultry track featuring German rapper FANTAAZMA and rapper Giz. The track also features one of the funk icon's legendary alter-egos, "Bedroom Bootsy," who brings a sultry tone to the tune.

Due Oct. 25 (the day before Collins' 73rd birthday), Album of the Year #1 Funkateer includes an 18-song track list with contributions from Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and more. And if the smooth, thumping vibe of "Pure Perfection" is any indication, the funk vet is ready to take fans on a trippy musical journey — one that only Bootsy Collins can moderate.