The Best Female Country Artists of All-Time — Amy’s Top 5

Dolly has such a big personality and is so energetic that I just find myself drawn to her and always have. But her voice is what stands out to me. It's so melodic that it sounds like an instrument. Dolly is very kind and generous and is involved with many charities too. And Dolly and I share a couple of things in common. Ha Ha! My Favorite Dolly song is "I Will Always Love You."

When I first heard Martina McBride's' strong, crystal clear voice belt out the chorus to "Independence Day" I got goose bumps. I looked at my then music director, Chuck McKinley, and we both just set there with our mouths open. Martina has such a classic and forceful voice, country music is blessed to have her. My favorite Martina song is "Independence Day."

This talented bluegrass-country singer, songwriter and fiddle player, has taken home 27 Grammy's and many CMA and ACM awards. This girl has twelve studio albums--four solo, six with her group Union Station, and two collaboration albums (one with The Cox Family, the other with former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant). She has also released four compilation albums, one live album (with Union Station), and over 30 singles. Her most successful album, Live, has been certified 2× Platinum. But her pure angelic voice can make you cry. She has collaborated with everyone great in all genres of music and has definitely made her mark. My favorite Alison song is "Baby Now That I Found You."

Sweet Emmylou Harris is a brillant American singer-songwriter and musician. She has released many chart-topping albums and singles over the course of her career, and has won 12 Grammys and numerous other awards. She is a sought-after backing vocalist and duet partner, working with numerous other artists including Gram Parsons, The Band, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Mark Knopfler, Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Rodney Crowell, and Neil Young. My favorite Emmylou song has got to be "(You Never Can Tell) C'est La Vie."

Like most Americans I eagerly watched every episode of American Idol and was rooting for the country girl from Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood to win the title. You just knew she was something special, and she was and is! Not only can that girl sing her heart out, but she is a wonderful example for our youth. She loves the Lord and lives it everyday. She is beautiful in looks and spirit and her legs are unbelievable! My favorite Carrie songs (it's a tie) are "I Told You So" and "How Great Thou Art."