2024 saw a lot of great releases from female country music artists. While it was hard to narrow down my favorites, I’ve picked 25 female artists I will continue to watch in 2025, plus their recent releases I love. Their music touches on female empowerment, heartbreak, remaining true to oneself, and embracing who they are meant to be. Now that we are halfway through the year, here is part three with more women who have risen in 2024 and have already accomplished big dreams this year (Read part one and part two here).
HAILEY WHITTERS
With what I believe to be her best album release to date, Hailey Whitters is “High On The Hog.” Her new album, Corn Queen, is the perfect blend of traditional country and bluegrass with a farm girl edge. I love how Hailey sings of country life and romance in a way that takes you back to a simpler way of life. I love her ’90s country meets bluegrass sound in songs like “Shotgun Wedding Baby,” “Prodigal Daughter,” and “Wagon.” She also brings in a honkeytonk sound in “High On A Heartbreak” and “Hearsay.” To be honest, I love every song on this album and will be listening to it on repeat all summer.
“Corn Queen is out now…. I know I tend to paint a really pretty picture online, but this record is all blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lotta elbow grease. Behind the scenes, a lot was falling apart for me – both personally and professionally. But they say a true queen holds her head high even when her crown is slipping, so that’s what I did. I think ultimately what makes a ‘queen’ to me is someone who rises above the bullshit to make things happen for themselves. My hope is that on those days when you can’t drag yourself outta bed, this record gives you the kick you need to get out into the world and make it happen for yourself. and that no matter your steps – big or small – you can be proud of yourself for takin’ any at all and hold your head high…. Now quick! Go give ‘er a listen ‘fore she melts 🧈🧈.” – Hailey Whitters.
THE CASTELLOWS
I’ve been obsessed with the harmonic blend and traditional meets ’70s country music sound of The Castellows for a while now. Their music videos are so beautiful and immerse you in the lyrical stories they tell. My favorite releases from last year are “Alabama Stone,” “Place To Leave,” and Ways To Go.” Now, they have released an EP, Homecoming, that features “Sheltered,” “Old Way,” and other songs that express a sense of self-discovery and appreciation for both roaming free and coming home. Their sound is so nostalgic and makes me feel calmer when I listen.
“Homecoming is OUT NOW!!! These 7 songs are a reflection of the crazy couple years we’ve had. These songs are about home, the road, the earth, each other, and everything in between. Writing and recording songs is truly a joy and we are very thankful every time we are able to release new music. Thank you to all the fans for supporting us and listening. It truly means the world to us🫶🏻🌎 Now, it’s time for us to hit the road (y’all should tag along😉) Happy listening!” – Ellie, Powell, and Lily “You don’t know what you’re feeling til you hear it in a song.”
LAUREN WATKINS
Lauren Watkins had me hooked on her music since I heard her song, “Gatlinburg.” Her deeper vocals are paired with a traditional country music sound to stories of romance and heartbreak. Her releases of “Set My Heart On Fire” featuring Sheryl Crow and “Mama, I Made It” from the Heartbroken Record show her creative storytelling and signature sound that country music fans love. This is evident as Zach Top delivered her invitation to make her Grand Ole Opry debut. “@Zachtop surprised me with some big news tonight. I’ve been waiting a long time for this exact moment and it couldn’t have been more special. I love country music with all my heart and it is the biggest honor to get to play the Grand Ole Opry on June 20th!!! I don’t know what to say other than Thank you, Jesus!! And see y’all there!! ♥️” – Lauren Watkins. I’m looking forward to all Lauren does with her music this year and am enjoying her latest single, “I’ll Get Through It.”
LACI KAYE BOOTH
With her wildly romantic meets edgy take on country music, Laci Kaye Booth always makes me crave her next song release. Since her album, The Loneliest Girl In The World, I’ve been captivated by her voice. I wrote about her songs, “Cigarettes” and “I Let Him Love Me,” in this blog post: Sad Girl Summer Songs I’m Loving. Her latest release, “George F****** Straight,” is right on brand with her signature sound that keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for her next bold lyric sung in soft, slightly raspy yet elegant vocals. Her beauty and sound give me Stevie Nicks meets Dena Carter vibes. I’m not the only one loving it, as Laci was invited to make her Grand Opry Debut earlier this year. “My Opry Debut is happening. 🥹 Thank you so much @parkermccollum for makin’ this so special… @opry Took me 20 years to get from the @93qhouston singing contest to the Grand ole @opry stage, by the grace of God and my angel Patsy Cline.” – Laci Kaye Booth.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS
Her latest singles, “Cowboy Sh!T” and “Quit You,” give a glimpse into what we can expect from Karley Scott Collins in her upcoming debut album, Flight Risk. Since her releases of “Heavenly” and “Tattoos,” I’ve been looking forward to every song she releases. I love her deeper vocals paired with a country meets soft rock sound. Karley’s vocals and edgy yet mellow vibes definitely set her apart. She’s also touring with Keith Urban, giving us a lot to look forward to with her live performances and new music this year.
“My debut album, Flight Risk, will be out SEPTEMBER 26th!!!!! The dream of putting out my first real record where I get to share the story of my life, loves + heartbreaks with you guys is one that has kept me up at night since I picked up a guitar when I was 11 years old. It sort of feels like putting 16 little pieces of my heart back together in one place…this is my favorite announcement I’ve ever gotten to make, so thank you to everyone who’s loved, listened to & related to my music the way you have up ‘til now and making this possible 🫶🏻 I LOVE Y’ALL AND IM SO EXCITED TO PLAY SOME OF THESE SONGS FOR YOU ON THE HIGH + ALIVE TOUR THIS SUMMER!” – Karlet Scott Collins
This was just a glimpse into what Hailey, The Castellows, Lauren, Laci, and Karley have accomplished so far this year. I hope you enjoy their music as much as I do and stay tuned for part four of 25 Female Artists I’m Watching In 2025. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post, and follow me on Instagram and YouTube@farmgirlwithcurls. Comment with your favorite artists I should review!
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