The Country Music Awards celebrate the year’s country artists that have achieved fame and warmed our hearts with their songs about life, love, and what it means to be a country person. Through categories such as entertainer of the year, vocal group, or album of the year, these artists have been recognized for their work in music.

One such award is the new artist of the year award, which until 2008 was known as the Horizon award. This award recognizes the newest country sensations that have come onto the scene. This year’s award winner was Brett Eldredge, known for songs such as “Mean To Me” and “Beat of the Music.” He joins a long line of artists that have been part of this category for years.

From Taylor Swift to Keith Urban, many country music stars have joined the ranks of best new artists to come onto the country music scene. We’re taking a look at the top ten country stars who won best new artist during the Country Music Awards.

Image courtesy of INFevents.com

[new page= Carrie Underwood, 2006]

10. Carrie Underwood, 2006

When the category was still known as the Horizon award, the “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer won the award back in 2006.

[new page= Zac Brown Band, 2012]

9. Zac Brown Band, 2012

Known for songs such as “As She’s Walking Away” and “Goodbye In Her Eyes,” the band won the New Artist of the Year award in 2012.

[new page= Taylor Swift, 2007]

8. Taylor Swift, 2007

Taylor Swift was very emotional when she realized she won the Horizon award back in 2007. Check out her tearful acceptance speech.

[new page= Kacey Musgraves, 2013]

7. Kacey Musgraves, 2013

The “Follow Your Arrow” singer won the New Artist of the Year award last year, paving her way into the country scene.

[new page= Keith Urban, 2001]

6. Keith Urban, 2001

Keith Urban was the winner of the Horizon award back in 2001. According to his website, he is this award’s first winner to also receive awards such as Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

[new page= The Band Perry, 2011]

5. The Band Perry, 2011

Right after performing at the 2011 Country Music Awards, The Band Perry won Best New Artist.

[new page= Lady Antebellum, 2008]

4. Lady Antebellum

In 2008, when the award’s named was changed to New Artist of the Year, Lady Antebellum won the award, an honor well deserved.

[new page= Rascal Flatts, 2002]

3. Rascal Flatts, 2002

Known for their song “Bless The Broken Road,” the band won the Horizon award before the song was created. The video below says 2001, but the correct year is 2002.

[new page= Brad Paisley, 2000]

2. Brad Paisley, 2000

One of country music’s most recognizable stars, Paisley won the Horizon award back in 2000.

[new page= Garth Brooks, 1990]

1. Garth Brooks, 1990

Garth Brooks is practically a household name and he has won multiple awards ever since he first appeared on the music scene. Back in 1990, he won the Horizon award and he also performed his hit song “Friends In Low Places.”