Everyone has that one celebrity they look up to. Whether it be the star of your favorite sitcom, lead singer of your favorite band, or author of your favorite novel, we look up to these lovely ladies as women we respect and admire. And if you’re a country music fan like myself, there’s a whole bunch of marvelous women who lead by example—through their music, their relationships, and just how they carry themselves while constantly in the public eye. So here’s my top ten list of country women who steal the show (quite literally) and give all their fans out there such a great model of confidence and class:

1. Carrie Underwood

Beautiful, grounded and not to mention well decorated, this country gal has made it leaps and bounds past her victory on American Idol Season 4… in fact, most people forget that was her claim to fame! She has become the stunning face of country music over the past decade, and has done so by winning the devotion of young women everywhere who find her music inspiring and uplifting. From teaching us how to get back at that cheating ex-boyfriend (go straight for his car), sympathized with us after a tough breakup (hint: if you haven’t heard “Someday When I Stop Loving You”, go listen. now.), and encouraged many others through more difficult obstacles life throws at us—her lyrics ring true to so many in vastly different ways. And, if that doesn’t convince you, just take a look at her perfect relationship with hubby Mike Fischer. Carrie represents to many the image of success, and making ones dream a reality. And she just keeps rocking while doing it.

2. Miranda Lambert

Another emblematic face of country music, Miranda never fails to put out fantastic music ranging from jams about embracing our quirky, sometimes crazy selves, to remembering where we’ve come from, to walking away from those guys that disappoint us, solely because we deserve better. While many (including myself) are simply heartbroken over her recent split from husband and also country vocalist Blake Shelton, I see it as if anyone can handle it, it's Miranda. She evokes poise, class, and just the right amount of fun in everything she does, and has risen above all the divorce drama by heading on tour with Kenny Chesney in 2016. Go girl!

3. Taylor Swift

Any "Most Inspiring Women" list these days seems empty without this name on it. Taylor’s roots were always in country, coming into the spotlight with the hit single “Our Song” she wrote when she was thirteen. Anyone who followed her music from its beginnings can attest to the fact that she has represented so much to so many young girls throughout her career. From countless hits about love, heartbreak, friendship and much more, her music has become the anthem to so many people, getting them through breakups and makeups and everything in between. And to top that all off, she has done so with humility, and a certain type of grace and confidence that is hard to achieve. Not only that, but her civic involvement and devotion to her fans is a real testament to her character, and one that is hard not to find inspiring.

4. Martina McBride

While less physically present on the country music stage today, this country leading lady has left an unforgettable impact on country music over the years. From her timeless hit “This One’s For the Girls”, that reminded women everywhere that they are perfect just as they are, to more reflective ballads about coping with loved ones battling cancer, her vocals are emblematic of just what country music is supposed to bring to its listeners.

5. Jennifer Nettles

Many may know her as half of the acclaimed duo Sugarland, but Jennifer has recently taken strides in her own country music career, a reflection of her amazing talent and independence to the music industry. One of my personal favorite works by Nettles came out of her country remake of the famous Bon Jovi Hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” a classic she integrated so well into the country sphere. Nettles success both as part of a group, as well as on her own has helped to establish her as a great talent in the country music industry, with the confidence to break through limitations to reach new and commendable achievements.

6. Dolly Parton

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” One among many of my favorite Dolly Parton quotes, this woman is to many the Queen of country music. Not only is she the most well decorated female country vocalists, she’s also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and looked up to by many for her extravagant career, humanitarian work, and continued roots to her Nashville home. Dolly is a great example of a woman who has had extreme success in her career, but has the utmost humility and sincerity in doing so. She is looked up to not only by most all female vocalists (regardless of their genre), but by her fans as well for her devotion to her music, her community, and most of all staying true to herself.

7. Reba McEntire

Another country music icon, Reba has come a long way from singing with siblings on a local radio station as a high schooler. From her career as a successful vocalist, stints on Broadway and television, and return to the musical stage, she has continually shown her fans grace, confidence and a great sense of humor. Her influence on female country vocalists has been staggering, having been noted by many of today’s big name singers as musically and personally inspiring to their own careers. She stands firm on the conviction that whatever she does, she does representing country music, and she has done it well!

8. Faith Hill

Its hard not to adore country’s power couple in Faith and Tim McGraw. But as successful as her hubby has been, Faith measures right up to his success. From being a recipient of the coveted “Country’s Best Album” Grammy, to featuring timeless ballads in major motion pictures like Pearl Harbor, to her various involvement philanthropically, Faith represents the utmost excellence in country music and in her own personal endeavors.

9. Shania Twain

This country legend has been given the distinguished title of "Queen of Country Pop" over her respectable career. Like McBride, one of her most acclaimed hits came out through the female favorite "Man, I Feel Like a Woman!" among other catchy love songs and wedding songs, all rooted in a fantastic mix of 90's pop and country classics. After a brief hiatus fromthe stage due to vocal chord problems, she returned full force to doing what she loves, and continuing to leave her mark on the history of country music.

10. LeAnn Rimes

Another big name in 'Country Pop," LeAnn's powerful voice can be recognized by many from emblematic love songs, movie soundtrack staples, and so much more. She hit the stage at the young age of thirteen, and remains a powerful presence in country music today. With two Grammy's and twelve Billboard Awards, she is not only well decorated but well accomplished in her young career.