To make our list of Top 10 Hottest Women of Country Music, a nominee has to have not only great looks and sex appeal but also musical talent as well. (Hey, we love our music, too!) Every single one of these women is an outstanding vocalist, and many write their own music as well. Without further delay, here’s our 2012 list of Top 10 Hottest Women of Country Music.

#10 – Shania Twain

 

This sensational performer needs little introduction. Dubbed “The First Lady of Country Music” the Canadian born Shania Twain has been wowing audiences since the 90′s and she’s still going strong. Her album Come on Over is the best selling album of all time by any female musician, and the best selling country album of all time. She earned her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2011, a rare accomplishment for a female country artist.

#9 – Sara Evans

 

This heartbreaker from Missouri started performing at a very early age and has a long list of awards and nominations to her name including AMA, ACA, Dove Awards, BMI Country Awards and more. She’s had a whopping five #1 hits over the years. Sara Evans’ single “A Little Bit Stronger” was nominated for best single by American Country Awards, and she was also nominated as American Music Awards Favorite Country Female Artist.

#8 – Hillary Scott

This country singer and songwriter is a founding member of the smash country group Lady Antebellum. Daughter of country music artist Linda Davis, Hillary Scott has won numerous awards with Lady Antebellum, including a Grammy for Best Country Album, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Need You Now.” We just can’t decide whether we like her better as a blonde or a brunette.

 

#7 – Jennifer Nettles

Wow, can this Georgia born beauty belt out a melody. Along with Kristian Bush, Jennifer Nettles is the other member of the duo Sugarland, known for its country-pop smash hits. Sugarland has won dozens of awards including ACM Top Vocal Duo, ACA award for Single of the Year, and CMT award for Duo video of the year for “Stuck Like Glue.”  In a secret ceremony in 2011 she married her longtime boyfriend, but we’re still holding out hope.

 

#6 – LeAnn Rimes

 

Will the world ever tire of seeing LeAnn Rimes in a bikini? We don’t think so.  This enormously talented country star is the winner of many major awards including Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, and Billboard Music Awards.  The lists Barbra Streisand, Wynona Judd, and Reba McEntire as major influences in her career. After cheating on her then-husband with him, she’s now happily married to Eddie Cibrian, star of NBC’s canceled “The Playboy Club.”

 

 

#5 – Jessie James

 

This smoking hot Italian-born country pop singer released her first album “Jessie James” in 2008 and has another one in the works. Jessie James lists Shania Twain, Shelby Lynne, and Janis Joplin as her major influences.

 

#4 – Julianne Hough

 

This country singer is probably best known as a professional ballroom dancer, having twice won ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Julianne Hough is one charming, gorgeous, and multi-talented lady, racking up ACM awards and CMT nominations in 2009, and appearing in two major Hollywood films – Burlesque (2010) and Footloose (2011).

 

#3 -Miranda Lambert

 

This Texas-born beauty broke more than a few hearts when she married longtime boyfriend Blake Shelton in 2011. She has had numerous top 20 hits and won the 2011 ACM single of the year, song of the year, and video of the year for “The House That Built Me.”

#2 – Taylor Swift

 

It’s hard to recall a female in country music who’s had so much impact so quickly. Taylor Swift’s career has taken off like a rocket since she released her debut single “Tim McGraw” in 2006. Her very first album went multi-platinum, and she hasn’t looked back since. Politically active and involved in several philanthropic projects, Swift is also a spokesperson for Elizabeth Arden and the NHL.  People magainze named her to its list of 100 Most Beautiful People in 2008, 2009, and 2010.  Maxim’s sexiest woman of 2008 is our #2 in 2012.

 

 

 

#1 – Carrie Underwood

 

 

Topping our list is the lady who’s talent and stunning sexiness continue to propel her career nearly seven years after winning American Idol. The Oklahoma native has a long list of awards to her name, including most recently a Billboard Spin award for “Before He Cheats.” The vegetarian and animal lover has also twice been named PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian, in 2005 and 2007. Carrie Underwood is the real deal.

 

Who’s at the top of your list? Tell us in the comment section below!