Everyone knows that youth and beauty can give performers a significant advantage in the entertainment industry. However, some country stars managed to achieve success at a remarkably young age. Singers like Jessica Andrews, Taylor Swift, and Hunter Hayes were still underage when they landed their first big hits on the charts.
There’s another group of artists who not only couldn’t legally drink but also couldn’t even drive themselves to the recording studio where they recorded their major hits. Stars like Marie Osmond, Tanya Tucker, and LeAnn Rimes all had No. 1 hits on the country charts before they turned 16.
While some artists choose to wait before pursuing stardom, others jump into the spotlight at a young age. For example, Carrie Underwood was 21 when she won American Idol, as she was finishing up her college degree. Miranda Lambert also took her time, passing up a potential win on Nashville Star at 19 because she felt she wasn’t ready to record an album.
Many young artists experience early success but struggle to maintain their momentum over time. However, some go on to become some of the most successful musicians in history. In this roundup from Taste of Country, we’ll take a closer look at some of the youngest stars in the country music genre.
The 11 Youngest Stars to Make it Big in Country Music
These 11 country stars made a big impact on the genre at a very young age. Let’s explore how they got their start and how youth played a role in their success.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How young were these country stars when they first found success?
A: Some of these artists were as young as 14 or 15 when they achieved their first major hits on the country charts.
Q: Did all of these young stars continue to have successful careers in music?
A: While some struggled to maintain their early success, others went on to become some of the most iconic figures in country music history.
Q: Are there any current young stars in country music following in their footsteps?
A: Yes, there are several up-and-coming artists in the genre who are making waves at a young age, hoping to achieve the same level of success as these early stars.
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