Country Music Cuties

Country pop singer/songwriter Carrie Underwood, 25, (pictured backstage at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards) is an American Idol success story. After winning the title in season 4, Carrie went on to become a Grammy-winning multi-platinum selling recording artist.

Canadian country singer Crystal Shawanda, 28, moved to Nashville from the reservation she grew up on in her late teens to pursue her dreams. Her debut album, Dawn of a New Day, debuted at #2 on the Canadian Country Albums chart, and #16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums. (AP)

While she enjoyed a successful run as a pop star (and even more success as a reality star), being a country music star seems to be the best fit for Jessica Simpson, 28. Her album, Come On Over released September 9, 2008, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in both US and Canada, giving Jess her first ever #1 album. (AP)

Ballroom dancer and country music singer Julianne Hough, 20, (pictured at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards) wowed the nation by winning Dancing with the Stars twice and is finding equal success in the world of music. Her self-titled debut album, released May 2006, hit # 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and #3 on the Billboard 200. Not too shabby. (AP)

With her powerful vocals and beautiful lyrics, newcomer Katie Armiger, 17, (pictured at the CMA Awards) is a cutie to keep an eye on. (AP)

Although she finished in 6th place on season 5 of American Idol, Kellie Pickler, 22, (pictured at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards) rode the fame wave and managed to transcend the 15-minute mark to become a successful country singer and TV personality. (AP)

With her gorgeous face, down-to-earth demeanor, and beautiful voice, country-pop singer/songwriter Taylor Swift, 19, (pictured at the American Music Awards on November 23rd, 2008) was destined for massive success. (AP)

Miranda Lambert, 25, (pictured at the CMA Awards) gained fame when she came in third on Nashville Star in 2003. Since then she has released two successful albums and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. (AP)

Soon after graduating high-school, Sarah Buxton, 28, met one of her musical idols, Stevie Nicks, who encouraged the aspiring country star to make the move from Kansas to Nashville. Sarah followed this advice and has since seen three of her singles hit it big on the Billboard Country Charts. (AP)

Leann Rimes, 26, has given emerging country stars some big shoes to fill. She has won an American Music Award, two Grammy Awards (she's also the youngest person to ever win a Grammy), three Academy of Country Music Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards. (AP)