Hottest Country Artists Right Now

Country music is having a global renaissance, and 2025 has been a landmark year. From sold-out tours and genre-defining albums to sweeping wins at the ACM Awards and Grammys, today’s hottest country artists are not just entertaining fans – they’re dominating the charts and taking home the biggest trophies in the business.

In this roundup, we spotlight the hottest country artists of 2025 – not just for their viral tracks or massive followings, but for the awards and accolades that prove they’re at the very top of their game.

The Top Country Music Artists Are Winning Big

What makes someone one of the best artists in country music today? It’s a mix of talent, consistency, fan appeal, and increasingly, industry recognition. The biggest artists in country music right now are those who have translated their success into tangible silverware.

We’re talking about:

• Lainey Wilson, who stormed the 2025 ACMs with a four-award sweep
  
• Chris Stapleton, whose voice earned him another Grammy
  
• Morgan Wallen, whose CMA win and massive tour made global waves
  
• Rising stars like Ella Langley and Zach Top, now award-winners in their own right
  

These are the names reshaping the sound – and future – of modern country.

Check out our article on country music at the 2025 Grammys…

Award-Winning Voices Leading the Country Charge

The top country artists in 2025 are blending tradition with innovation. Some, like Cody Johnson and Zach Top, are reviving that classic ’90s twang. Others, like Kacey Musgraves, are pushing boundaries with genre-bending projects that still hold strong country roots.

What ties them all together? Critical acclaim, commercial success, and major awards recognition.

From Entertainer of the Year titles to Album of the Year honours, these stars are setting the standard for what it means to be a country music powerhouse in today’s industry.

Why Awards Matter More Than Ever

While streaming stats and social media buzz show popularity, it’s the ACMs, CMAs, and Grammys that mark true industry excellence. These awards spotlight the best artists in country music – those whose songwriting, performances, and cultural impact are shaping the genre.

In 2025, the awards circuit has been a stage for both icons and newcomers, proving that country music is as dynamic and diverse as ever.

Meet the Country Artists You Can’t Miss in 2025

So, who are the hottest country artists right now? Who’s leading the charts and filling their trophy cabinets?

You must have heard by now – Country is cool again. 

From country artists taking over stadiums worldwide, to huge new album drops and genre-blending ballads with ‘not so country’ artists, the spotlight is well and truly on this wonderful world of three chords and the truth. But it goes without saying, country has always been cool to us…

So who’s flying high in Music City right now? Who do you need to tune your tassels into? Who’s heading for even bigger things than Nashville? From established stars to emerging talents, let’s spill the whiskey on the Top Country Artists right now:

Who Are The Hottest Country Music Artists Right Now?

1 – Lainey Wilson

Hailing from Baskin, Louisiana, the queen of bell-bottoms has emerged as a formidable force in country music, bringing the term ‘American Dream’ to life, Nashville style.

Her father was a fifth-generation farmer who simultaneously introduced her to the guitar and the wild and free spirit of horses… a slice of her upbringing that rings through her songs today. Her voice has a warm, gritty Southern drawl with a soulful edge that makes every lyric feel raw and real, and the songs just keep on shinin’.

From humble beginnings in Music City at 19, the now 33-year-old has seen incredible success in the country music scene, 11 years after releasing her first album. In 2025 alone, she has gone out on the road for her Whirlwind world tour, headlined C2C back in March, and picked up a collection of silverware at the 2025 ACM awards in Texas this month!

Laineys’ 2025 trophy cabinet (so far…)

ACM Entertainer of the Year (second consecutive win)

ACM Female Artist of the Year

ACM Album of the Year: Whirlwind 

ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year

Want to know more about the woman behind the Southern sound? 

Check out one of the hottest country artists – Lainey Wilson: Access All Areas here–

2 – Chris Stapleton

Perseverance. Raw Talent. A deep love for country and blues music. That is a snippet of Chris Stapleton’s rise to country fame.

Born and raised in Kentucky in the late 70’s, he’s been gracing the world of country music for over two decades, originally as a very successful songwriter in Nashville. His solo career rocketed after his 2015 album, Traveller, which put him on the map. It included the track Tennessee Whiskey, a song that would live on in people’s radios and karaoke booths for many years ahead!

Today, he is recognised as one of the most powerful voices in country music. His sound blends traditional country, blues, and Southern rock, and he has numerous accolades to his name. 

Chris’s 2025 trophy cabinet (so far…)

GRAMMY – Best Country Solo Performance: “It Takes a Woman”

ACM Male Artist of the Year

Want to know more about the man with the signature beard and cowboy hat?

Check out Chris Stapleton: Access All Areas here.

3 – Morgan Wallen

Proudly Tennessee-born and raised, Morgan Wallen has made headlines over the last few years for a range of reasons. But one thing that rings true is his undeniable talent for songwriting and producing smash hit after smash hit. His tours sell out in minutes, his songs always seem to hit #1, and his attitude towards certain things provides ongoing entertainment for fans across the world (SNL appearance anyone?!)

And as for 2025, Wallen’s momentum shows no signs of slowing as he embarks on his I’m the Problem stadium tour, bringing his music to some of the largest venues across North America, featuring country music legends like Miranda Lambert and Brooks & Dunn. Not to mention the unbelievable success of his 37-track album released in May, delving into themes of personal turmoil and redemption, plus some killer collabs. 

Morgan’s recent trophy cabinet:

CMA Awards 2024 – Entertainer of the Year

11 Billboard Music Awards in 2023

Want to know more about the guy who made mullets cool again?

Check out Morgan Wallen: Access All Areas here.

4 – Luke Combs

Gritty. Soulful. Effortless. That’s how we’d describe the vocals of one of the biggest stars in country music right now. 

Luke Combs has been a known name in Music City for some time, and every song he sings seems to turn to gold. From humble beginnings in the bars of North Carolina to stadium show sell-outs, Combs’ authentic storytelling and powerful tones have connected with fans all over the world. 

With over 10 billion streams and hits like Beautiful Crazy and Tracey Chapman’s Fast Car cover, Luke’s racked up CMA and ACM Awards, plus a couple of Grammy nods along the way.

He’ll be heading across the pond this September as part of the Opry’s 100 celebration at The Royal Albert Hall – a truly iconic moment for UK fans and country stars!

Luke Combs is just a guy with a guitar, a killer voice and songs that hit you right in the feels – and there is no stopping him.

Luke’s recent trophy cabinet:

ACM Awards 2024: “Fast Car” won Single of the Year

CMA Awards 2024: Fathers & Sons Album nominated for Album of the Year

WATCH: Luke Combs’ debut at The Grand Ole Opry.

5 – Ella Langley

Breakout country star Ella Langley has been the talk of the town so far in 2025. The Alabama-born singer started making waves last year with You Look Like You Love Me, featuring country heartthrob Riley Green. Together, they scooped up three awards at the ACMs for that track, with Ella also coming out on top for New Female Artist of the Year. 

After being the most nominated artist for this year’s ACMs, she has taken the crown for one to watch in 2025, with her bold, smoky sound and a sprinkle of Southern twang. It’s the kind of voice that feels just as at home in a honkytonk as it does on a big festival stage!

She’s on the road with Riely Green this summer, and also popping up in Arizona to support Morgan Wallen on his tour – before headlining her own stint in Texas come Autumn (or should we say Fall…)

Ella’s 2025 trophy cabinet (so far…)

ACM Single of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” 

ACM Music Event of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” 

ACM Visual Media of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” 

ACM New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley

6 – Riley Green

Riley Green is the embodiment of a small-town success story. Hailing from Jacksonville, Alabama, football was always on the cards for this talented youngster. But, the field had other plans and country music became his new home… which we are forever grateful for. 

It was in 2019 that Green unveiled I Wish Grandpas Never Died, a deeply personal song reflecting his close bond with his grandparents. This heartfelt track racked up a whopping 39M views on YouTube alone and supercharged his name on the country music stage.

His fame skyrocketed once again earlier this year, with the highly anticipated release of Worst Way, a video that racked up half a million views in less than 24 hours!

With over 5 billion global streams and sold-out live shows, Riley Green stands as one of country music’s leading artists in 2025.

Riley’s 2025 trophy cabinet:

ACM Single of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

ACM Music Event of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

ACm Visual Media of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

Want a bigger dose of the Duckman?
Check out Riley Green: Access All Areas here

9 – Cody Johnson

The man with the biggest cowboy hat in Nashville is the real deal when it comes to country music. 

Cody Johnson is a former rodeo rider who brings that same grit and authenticity to every song he sings. His voice has that classic Texas twang, rich and full of heart, and his lyrics often feel like they’re pulled straight from real life. 

Over the years, he’s built a loyal fan base by staying true to his roots and delivering powerhouse live performances. In 2025, he’s riding high with the success of Dirt Cheap, which won Song of the Year at the AMC Awards. 

He also holds a special place in his cowboy heart for UK fans, after headlining C2C in March this year!

Cody’s recent trophy cabinet:

CMA Album of the Year 2024 – “Leather”

ACM Song of the Year – Dirt Cheap

Catch our chat with him at the ACMs here.

8 – Zach Top

The comeback of traditional ’90s country. That’s what Zach Top is all about – in this new wave of country music. 

Hailing from Washington State, Zach gained attention through viral performances and authentic storytelling, which led to his 2024 breakout single Cold Beer & Country Music.

He is quickly rising through the ranks as one of the hottest country music artists, and one of the most exciting new voices, bringing fresh energy to the genre while honouring its classic roots. 

In 2025, Zach Top was named New Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards, a major milestone marking his growing influence. With authentic storytelling, smooth vocals, and undeniable charm, Zach Top is a name every country music fan should know… and he’s just getting started! 

And no… he is not Alan Jackson’s son!

Zach’s 2025 Trophy Cabinet (so far…):

ACM Award 2025 – New Male Artist of the Year 

9 – Old Dominion

Old Dominion are not just another country band, they are a phenomenon. With their sky-scraping anthems, heartfelt storytelling, and high-energy performances, they’ve earned a reputation as one of the most thrilling live acts in the genre.

Their breakthrough came with the 2015 album Meat and Candy, featuring the hit single Break Up with Him, which topped the Country Airplay chart. Since then, Old Dominion has consistently delivered chart-topping songs and albums, earning them a dedicated fan base.

In 2025, the band made history by winning the Group of the Year award at the ACM Awards for the eighth consecutive time, setting a new record in the category!

They continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their “How Good Is That” tour, bringing their electrifying presence to country fans all over. 

OD’s recent trophy cabinet:

CMA Vocal Group of the Year – 2024

ACM Award 2024 – Group of the Year

ACM Award 2025 – Group of the Year

10 – Kacey Musgraves

From small-town Texas to the writing rooms of Music Row, Kacey Musgraves has been marching to the beat of her own guitar since breaking into the country scene in 2013. 

Same Trailer Different Park was her debut album, earning her a shiny GRAMMY (along with three more awards!), instantly making her mark as a fresh, fearless voice. With thoughtful, honest lyrics and a sound that blends traditional country with dreamy pop & folk, she’s earned golden status in this ever-emerging genre. 

In 2024, she released another glowing album with Deeper Well, receiving nominations at both the CMA and Grammy Awards. Kacey is not just a country artist, she’s a genre-blurring trailblazer with timeless relevance. 

Kacey’s recent trophy cabinet:

2024 GRAMMY – Best Country Duo/Group Performance – “I Remember Everything” with Zach Bryan

2024 People’s Choice Country Awards – 15 nominations

2025 GRAMMY – Best Country Song – “The Architect”

Each of these artists brings something fresh and exciting to the ever-evolving world of country music- whether it’s a song, an album, or a stage presence, there’s something for every mood. We can’t wait to see what they do next. One thing’s certain: they’re continuing to leave their mark on the country music scene.