Country music's 10 biggest breakthrough artists of 2018

Even though he notched a No. 1 hit with last year’s “When It Rains It Pours,” Luke Combs became a household name in country music in 2018. Released on the reissue of his debut album, "This One’s For You," “She Got The Best of Me” is Combs’s second top-10 hit of the year. At the 2018 CMA Awards, Combs was named New Artist of the Year, cementing his status as the genre’s biggest up-and-comer.

Kane Brown 

Viral video star Kane Brown transformed into a bona fide superstar in 2018, even before the release of his sophomore album, "Experiment" in November. Brown’s deep baritone and modern country sensibilities made songs like “Good as You” and “Lose It” instant hits, especially among the genre’s growing base of young fans.

Brett Young

Brett Young’s ascent to the top of the country charts happened at an impressively rapid clip in 2018. This year, he scored his third No. 1 hit in a row on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Mercy,” from his 2016 self-titled debut. Fans are eagerly awaiting Young’s forthcoming sophomore album, set for release on Dec. 7 on Big Machine Records. In the meantime, the album’s lead single, “Here Tonight,” is currently working its way up the charts.

Dan & Shay 

In June, the chart-topping duo of Shay Mooney and Dan Smyers released their self-titled third album, "Dan & Shay," which almost immediately hit No. 1 on the U.S. Country Albums chart and has since been certified platinum twice by the RIAA. The duo’s endlessly catchy song “Tequila” has dominated country playlists all year long and has proved to be a crossover hit for the band, reaching No. 21 on the all-genre charts.

Ashley McBryde

A favorite of everyone from Eric Church to George Strait, Ashley McBryde effortlessly walks the line between country traditionalism and modern sensibilities. Her 2018 debut, "Girl Goin’ Nowhere" showed that McBryde is set to follow in the lineage of country powerhouses like Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert all while maintaining her fierce commitment to her own unique sound.  

Caitlyn Smith 

It may not have gotten a great deal of recognition on the Billboard country charts, but Caitlyn Smith’s stunning "Starfire," released in January, is one of the year’s most critically acclaimed albums. With her scorching lyricism and dreamy vocals, Smith reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and proved that she’s one of the genre’s most compelling and innovative artists.

Devin Dawson

After earning viral video success thanks to a mash-up of Taylor Swift songs, Devin Dawson’s ascent in 2018 was wildly impressive. In January, Dawson released his debut album, "Dark Horse," a nod to his “outsider” status that produced two irresistible singles, including “All on Me,” which has racked up more than 96 million streams on Spotify to date.

Brothers Osborne 

In 2018, the Brothers Osborne’s sophomore album, "Port Saint Joe," was equal parts critical darling and commercial success. Brothers TJ Osborne and John Osborne also took home the 2018 CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year for the third year in a row, cementing their status as country's biggest duo.

Carly Pearce 

It’s harder than ever for women artists to succeed on country radio, but Carly Pearce scored a No. 1 hit with “Every Little Thing.” Even though it was technically released in 2017, that song propelled Pearce to a nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards, and a win at the CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Video of the Year and a Radio Disney Music Award for The Freshest! – Country Best New Artist. Expect Pearce’s new single, “Closer to You,” released in November, to see equal success.

Scotty McCreery 

After getting his first taste of stardom with an "American Idol" win, Scotty McCreery took control of his destiny in 2018, after being dropped from his label, with “Five More Minutes,” an independently released, heartwarming tribute to his grandfather. McCreery revitalized his career, paving the way for his first No. 1 single. Then came his album "Seasons Change," his first on the Triple Tigers label, which peaked at No. 1 on the Country Albums charts and earned McCreery praise from scores of critics.