Every year, there are new female artists that start taking some airplay away from the older artists. In 2017, those women included Lauren Alaina, Brooke Eden, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris and others. This year, these ten artists have the potential of blowing up; on radio, in sales, or both! In alphabetical order, here are Queens of Country's Women to Watch for 2018.

TAYLOR ACORN
There are very few people who write catchy pop-country songs better than Taylor Acorn. Acorn has written every song she has released on iTunes so far, including her viral Spotify hit, "Put It In A Song." In November, she signed with Play It Again, and released her Put It In A Song EP with that record label. Her variety is showcased on the EP, from the poppy melodies of "Something Tonight" to the stripped down ballad that is "Seventeen." Even without her incredible knack for writing soon-to-be commercial hits, Acorn's voice is unmatched. Her soft twang, along with her ability to belt like Carrie Underwood create an incredibly appealing combination that will take her far this year.
Sounds like: Beats, banjo and belting
Key tracks: “Put It In A Song,” “Seventeen”
There are very few people who write catchy pop-country songs better than Taylor Acorn. Acorn has written every song she has released on iTunes so far, including her viral Spotify hit, "Put It In A Song." In November, she signed with Play It Again, and released her Put It In A Song EP with that record label. Her variety is showcased on the EP, from the poppy melodies of "Something Tonight" to the stripped down ballad that is "Seventeen." Even without her incredible knack for writing soon-to-be commercial hits, Acorn's voice is unmatched. Her soft twang, along with her ability to belt like Carrie Underwood create an incredibly appealing combination that will take her far this year.
Sounds like: Beats, banjo and belting
Key tracks: “Put It In A Song,” “Seventeen”

KASSI ASHTON
Kassi Ashton began 2017 with a Creative Nation publishing deal, and she ended 2017 with a joint record deal with Interscope and UMG Nashville. She graduated from Belmont University in Nashville at the end of 2016, and since then, it's just been a matter of time before she achieved major success. Ashton's unique mixture of soul, blues and country doesn't quite fit on country radio, but also has the potential to continue the trend of bringing more soulful songs into the format, a trend that Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton have spearheaded. Her socials and website are teasing new music coming out in January, so be on the lookout for that this year.
Sounds like: Perfect mixture of Lucie Silvas and Maren Morris
Key tracks: "Tumbleweed," "Heart Breaking"
Kassi Ashton began 2017 with a Creative Nation publishing deal, and she ended 2017 with a joint record deal with Interscope and UMG Nashville. She graduated from Belmont University in Nashville at the end of 2016, and since then, it's just been a matter of time before she achieved major success. Ashton's unique mixture of soul, blues and country doesn't quite fit on country radio, but also has the potential to continue the trend of bringing more soulful songs into the format, a trend that Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton have spearheaded. Her socials and website are teasing new music coming out in January, so be on the lookout for that this year.
Sounds like: Perfect mixture of Lucie Silvas and Maren Morris
Key tracks: "Tumbleweed," "Heart Breaking"

CHEYENNE GOSS
From Newton, Illinois, Cheyenne Goss's music has the potnetial of speaking to young women in the way Kelsea Ballerini has over the last couple years. As shown on her debut EP It Is Written, Goss writes catchy and accessible music that speaks of troubles that all young women face in their lives. From "Just Enough," where Goss sings about supporting someone going through a difficult time; to "This Mess,' about a messy, complicated relationship; to "Done," about finally sticking up for yourself, Goss crafted a compelling, beautiful collection of songs for people to turn to in times of trouble. Some of Goss's story is written, but 2018 is going to be her year to continue sharing that story to even larger audiences.
Sounds like: If Tori Kelly went country
Key tracks: “Done,” “Just Enough”
From Newton, Illinois, Cheyenne Goss's music has the potnetial of speaking to young women in the way Kelsea Ballerini has over the last couple years. As shown on her debut EP It Is Written, Goss writes catchy and accessible music that speaks of troubles that all young women face in their lives. From "Just Enough," where Goss sings about supporting someone going through a difficult time; to "This Mess,' about a messy, complicated relationship; to "Done," about finally sticking up for yourself, Goss crafted a compelling, beautiful collection of songs for people to turn to in times of trouble. Some of Goss's story is written, but 2018 is going to be her year to continue sharing that story to even larger audiences.
Sounds like: If Tori Kelly went country
Key tracks: “Done,” “Just Enough”

I'M WITH HER
Three successful Americana/folk musicians are joining forces this year to create the next great girl group. Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan, who have all achieved great success in their own right, make up I'm With Her. Three is better than one, and that's proven through the limited music we've gotten from the group so far, and certainly from what's to come later this year. Their harmonies are pitch-perfect, and their sound recalls a little bit Appalachian bluegrass, a little bit Joni Mitchell, and a little bit Dixie Chicks. See You Around, the group's debut record is set to drop on February 16, 2018.
Sounds like: Bluegrass, folk and country blend
Key tracks: “See You Around,” “Little Lies”
Three successful Americana/folk musicians are joining forces this year to create the next great girl group. Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan, who have all achieved great success in their own right, make up I'm With Her. Three is better than one, and that's proven through the limited music we've gotten from the group so far, and certainly from what's to come later this year. Their harmonies are pitch-perfect, and their sound recalls a little bit Appalachian bluegrass, a little bit Joni Mitchell, and a little bit Dixie Chicks. See You Around, the group's debut record is set to drop on February 16, 2018.
Sounds like: Bluegrass, folk and country blend
Key tracks: “See You Around,” “Little Lies”

JILLIAN JACQUELINE
Jacqueline has been on the fringe of stardom for years now, ever since she dropped her rootsy debut single, "Overdue" which featured background vocals from legend Vince Gill. 2018 is officially her year, as she dropped Side A late last year, featuring single "Reasons" and other popular songs "Hate Me," "God Bless This Mess" and "Bleachers." She's definitely toes the line between country and pop, so this year it will be interesting to watch which path she decides to take, or if she decides to choose at all. Jacqueline is impossible to label, as her music sits in a league of its own. Country, pop, or not, Jillian Jacqueline is an unmistakable talent.
Sounds like: Unapologetically catchy melodies and carefully crafted lyrics
Key tracks: “Reasons,” “God Bless This Mess”
Jacqueline has been on the fringe of stardom for years now, ever since she dropped her rootsy debut single, "Overdue" which featured background vocals from legend Vince Gill. 2018 is officially her year, as she dropped Side A late last year, featuring single "Reasons" and other popular songs "Hate Me," "God Bless This Mess" and "Bleachers." She's definitely toes the line between country and pop, so this year it will be interesting to watch which path she decides to take, or if she decides to choose at all. Jacqueline is impossible to label, as her music sits in a league of its own. Country, pop, or not, Jillian Jacqueline is an unmistakable talent.
Sounds like: Unapologetically catchy melodies and carefully crafted lyrics
Key tracks: “Reasons,” “God Bless This Mess”

ASHLEY MCBRYDE
In 2017, Ashley McBryde had the chance to sing her song, "Girl Goin' Nowhere," about the people who told her she would never make it in music, at the Opry. On her Sirius XM The Highway hit, "A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega," she sings, "here's to the breakups that didn't break us." McBryde has emerged this year as the voice for the broken who have come back from rock bottom, and a model for those who want to succeed despite people telling them they never will. With years of songwriting and performing under her belt, there is no one more deserving than Ashley McBryde to have major successthis year.
Sounds like: Eric Church crossed with Miranda Lambert
Key tracks: “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
In 2017, Ashley McBryde had the chance to sing her song, "Girl Goin' Nowhere," about the people who told her she would never make it in music, at the Opry. On her Sirius XM The Highway hit, "A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega," she sings, "here's to the breakups that didn't break us." McBryde has emerged this year as the voice for the broken who have come back from rock bottom, and a model for those who want to succeed despite people telling them they never will. With years of songwriting and performing under her belt, there is no one more deserving than Ashley McBryde to have major successthis year.
Sounds like: Eric Church crossed with Miranda Lambert
Key tracks: “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”

KIM PAIGE
Classic country is reinvented through the voice of the talented Kim Paige. Her music is country through and through, but it doesn't sound tired or overdone, the way some traditional-leaning country does. Her voice is twangy, but accessible, and her conversational lyrics make her as relatable to young listeners as Taylor Swift was early in her career. The humor in her lyrics also doesn't hurt — it's impossible not to smile at her newest single, "We Need A Wife!" In 2017, she was on the Bobby Bones Show, was featured in the Song Suffragettes cover of "Female," and played countless shows across the country. In 2018, she's going to blow up.
Sounds like: Nineties country sound on top of 21st century lyrics
Key tracks: "We Need A Wife," "Go Home L.A."
Classic country is reinvented through the voice of the talented Kim Paige. Her music is country through and through, but it doesn't sound tired or overdone, the way some traditional-leaning country does. Her voice is twangy, but accessible, and her conversational lyrics make her as relatable to young listeners as Taylor Swift was early in her career. The humor in her lyrics also doesn't hurt — it's impossible not to smile at her newest single, "We Need A Wife!" In 2017, she was on the Bobby Bones Show, was featured in the Song Suffragettes cover of "Female," and played countless shows across the country. In 2018, she's going to blow up.
Sounds like: Nineties country sound on top of 21st century lyrics
Key tracks: "We Need A Wife," "Go Home L.A."

MAGGIE ROSE
Maggie Rose's journey as a musician has been one of the most interesting to watch over the last several years. With an incredible belt and strong songwriting talent, Rose started at a record label and achieved moderate radio success with singles "I Ain't Your Mama" and "Better." Since parting ways with the label in 2015, she's independently released two EPs, three singles, and her most recent release: a digital 45 containing her current Sirius XM The Highway hit, "Pull You Through." Now, she's recording her first full length record since 2013's Cut To Impress live in the studio. The record is set to come out in early 2018, and it's going to be killer.
Sounds like: Maren Morris sass, Chris Stapleton soul and Adele-level vocals
Key tracks: "Pull You Through," "Just Getting By"
Maggie Rose's journey as a musician has been one of the most interesting to watch over the last several years. With an incredible belt and strong songwriting talent, Rose started at a record label and achieved moderate radio success with singles "I Ain't Your Mama" and "Better." Since parting ways with the label in 2015, she's independently released two EPs, three singles, and her most recent release: a digital 45 containing her current Sirius XM The Highway hit, "Pull You Through." Now, she's recording her first full length record since 2013's Cut To Impress live in the studio. The record is set to come out in early 2018, and it's going to be killer.
Sounds like: Maren Morris sass, Chris Stapleton soul and Adele-level vocals
Key tracks: "Pull You Through," "Just Getting By"

JO SMITH
There's nothing on country radio that sounds quite like Jo Smith, which is what makes her so likely to find major success this year. She was once signed to Columbia Nashville, and released two EPs with that label, but has now reinvented herself as an artist with the help of producer and major supporter Shane McAnally. She released Introducing Jo Smith in late 2016, featuring four songs that showed off her soulful, country-pop sound and quirky, but clever lyrics. Her single off of that project, "Old School Grove" was named a Sirius XM The Highway find earlier this year.
Sounds like: Classic, Motown magic with a country-pop twist
Key tracks: "Old School Groove," "Queen of Fools"
There's nothing on country radio that sounds quite like Jo Smith, which is what makes her so likely to find major success this year. She was once signed to Columbia Nashville, and released two EPs with that label, but has now reinvented herself as an artist with the help of producer and major supporter Shane McAnally. She released Introducing Jo Smith in late 2016, featuring four songs that showed off her soulful, country-pop sound and quirky, but clever lyrics. Her single off of that project, "Old School Grove" was named a Sirius XM The Highway find earlier this year.
Sounds like: Classic, Motown magic with a country-pop twist
Key tracks: "Old School Groove," "Queen of Fools"

TIERA
Ever since Tiera posted her first cover on YouTube, it's been inevitable that one day she would blow up. Over the last couple years, she's mastered the art of gaining a social media following by posting mini-covers on Instagram, interacting with fans on Twitter and continuing to post covers on YouTube. 2017 was a big year for her, as she set herself up for an incredibly successful 2018. She took a break from university, moved to Nashville, and recorded multiple songs at AME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Her first release since her 2015 acoustic EP, a single entitled "Wake Up Call," drops on January 5, 2018.
Sounds like: Carly Pearce's sister, with a little more twang and a lot more soul
Key tracks: "Wake Up Call," "Out of Sight"
Ever since Tiera posted her first cover on YouTube, it's been inevitable that one day she would blow up. Over the last couple years, she's mastered the art of gaining a social media following by posting mini-covers on Instagram, interacting with fans on Twitter and continuing to post covers on YouTube. 2017 was a big year for her, as she set herself up for an incredibly successful 2018. She took a break from university, moved to Nashville, and recorded multiple songs at AME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Her first release since her 2015 acoustic EP, a single entitled "Wake Up Call," drops on January 5, 2018.
Sounds like: Carly Pearce's sister, with a little more twang and a lot more soul
Key tracks: "Wake Up Call," "Out of Sight"