Luke Combs is one artist on this list of underestimated artists who was formally rejected again, and again, and again.
The Voice, record labels, publishers — nobody believed in the North Carolinian at first. Now, 15 chart-topping songs later, there’s no one who’s more of a sure thing thank Combs. It’s a classic underestimation, but certainly not the only remarkable story in the history of country music.
Go ahead and call these 10 artists underdogs if you want, although the title is now laughable for No. 4. There are five legitimate superstars, two American Idol finalists and country music’s first real viral sensation in the group. They’ve proven themselves worthy in ways nobody saw coming.
In 2023, we couldn’t be happier to be wrong.
10 Artists We Totally Underestimated
26 Country Stars You Won’t Believe Aren’t Grand Ole Opry Members
As of 2023, there are more than 70 members of the Grand Ole Opry. Historically, nearly 250 men, women and groups were members — so, it’s a select group that excludes several Country Music Hall of Famers.