Miranda Lambert, a prominent figure in country music, has played a significant role in the resurgence of female artists within the genre. The Texas-born singer-songwriter has been a leading female presence in a traditionally male-dominated industry throughout much of the 2010s, standing alongside established male acts such as Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, and Brad Paisley.

Lambert’s influence extends beyond her own career, as she has actively supported emerging talents. Notably, she co-wrote the year’s biggest country hit, “Choosin’ Texas,” with newcomer Ella Langley. The collaboration has not only elevated Langley’s profile but has also introduced Lambert’s music to a younger audience, underscoring her continued relevance more than two decades into her career.

Her career achievements and those of Langley have been formally recognized ahead of this year’s Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville. Both artists are among the most-nominated contenders, reflecting their impact on the current country music landscape.

Lambert attributes this moment to a broader shift in the genre, noting that “country always ebbs and flows,” and suggesting that the current era marks a significant resurgence for female artists. She highlighted a parallel with the 1990s, a period when women like Shania Twain, The Chicks, Reba McEntire, and Faith Hill dominated the charts and shaped the genre’s direction.

Reflecting on her enduring success, Lambert shared an anecdote about advice she received from Dolly Parton during the recording of a duet version of Parton’s “Dumb Blonde” for the 2018 film Dumplin’. Parton advised her to “always find your good light first,” advice Lambert applies both on stage and in her everyday life.

As the CMA Awards approach, industry observers see Lambert’s rising influence and the emergence of new female voices as indicative of a broader evolution in country music, one that may signal a more prominent and sustained presence for women in the genre moving forward.