1. Shania Twain (Canada)
Often dubbed the “Queen of Country Pop,” Shania Twain’s hits like Man! I Feel Like a Woman! and You’re Still the One are global anthems. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Shania’s Canadian roots never held her back. In fact, she brought a unique flavor to country music that made it more accessible and pop-infused, helping to bridge the gap between traditional country and mainstream pop.
2. Keith Urban (Australia)
The Aussies know how to do country, and Keith Urban is living proof. Although he was born in New Zealand, he grew up in Australia, where he fell in love with country music at a young age. His smooth guitar riffs and soulful voice made him an instant hit in the U.S., and he’s since become a staple in the country music world. Urban’s ability to blend rock elements into his country sound helped him cross over to American audiences seamlessly.
3. Kelsea Ballerini (Italy)
Though born to American parents, Kelsea spent her early childhood in Italy before relocating to Tennessee. She grew up listening to Italian pop but found her heart in country music when she moved to the States. You can hear a touch of European flair in her lyrics and melodies, setting her apart in a genre that values authenticity.
4. Orville Peck (South Africa/Canada)
Orville Peck might be a bit of a mystery man with that signature fringed mask, but his roots are no secret. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and later moving to Canada, Peck blends his diverse background into a unique brand of country music. His deep, haunting voice and nostalgic, outlaw-country vibes draw heavily on American classics, yet his lyrics often reflect themes of identity and self-discovery from an outsider’s perspective. Whether he’s crooning about heartbreak or wide-open highways, Peck proves that country music is as much about the soul as it is about where you’re from.
5. The Shires (United Kingdom)
This dynamic duo, Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, hail from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, England, respectively. As the first UK country act to sign to a major Nashville label, they’ve brought a fresh British twist to country music. Their heartfelt lyrics and harmonies make you forget they’re not from the American South.
6. Johnny Reid (Scotland/Canada)
Johnny Reid might not be a household name in the States, but in Canada, he’s a country superstar. Born in Lanark, Scotland, before moving to Canada as a teenager, Reid draws on his Scottish heritage for inspiration. His deep, soulful voice and passionate performances give his country songs a unique, almost Celtic edge.
7. James Barker Band (Canada)
Hailing from Ontario, Canada, the James Barker Band has been taking the country music scene by storm with their catchy tunes and relatable lyrics. With hits like Good Together and Keep It Simple, this group brings a fun, upbeat energy that fits right in with Nashville’s best. What sets them apart? They’ve mastered that perfect balance of feel-good anthems and heartfelt ballads, all while proudly staying true to their Canadian roots.
8. Morgan Evans (Australia)
Another Aussie on the list, Morgan Evans is not just known for his own music but also for being the husband of American country star Kelsea Ballerini. Growing up in Newcastle, Australia, Evans was drawn to the storytelling aspect of country music. He blends his laid-back Aussie vibes with Nashville influences, resulting in upbeat tracks like Day Drunk.
9. Dean Brody (Canada)
Dean Brody is a country music force in Canada, often referred to as the “Canadian Luke Bryan.” Growing up in the small town of Jaffray, British Columbia, Brody’s songs reflect a deep connection to rural life and nature, something that resonates in both Canadian and American country music scenes.
10. Catherine Britt (Australia)
Discovered by Elton John at just 17, Catherine Britt has had a fascinating journey. Born in Newcastle, Australia, she made her way to Nashville and earned acclaim with her traditional country sound. Britt’s ability to channel classic American country with an Australian twist makes her a standout in the genre.
11. Lindsay Ell (Canada)
Lindsay Ell isn’t just a pretty voice; she’s a guitar shredder, too. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Ell’s passion for blues, rock, and country shows in her music. She brings a unique edge to country with her electric guitar solos, making her a bit of a maverick in the traditionally acoustic-focused genre.
12. Corb Lund (Canada)
Corb Lund grew up on a ranch in Taber, Alberta, and his music is infused with stories of cowboy life, prairie landscapes, and the Canadian wilderness. His songs like Truck Got Stuck and The Devil’s Best Dress capture the humor and grit of life outside city limits, proving that you don’t have to be from Texas to sing about the cowboy lifestyle.
