Miranda Lambert Reflects on ‘Longer Road’ to Success in Male-Dominated Texas Country Scene

With Her Latest Album and Record-Breaking Wins, the Country Star Reflects on Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way for Future Female Artists

With Her 10th Album, ‘Postcards from Texas,’ Lambert Revisits the Challenges and Triumphs of Her Career

Miranda Lambert’s 24-year journey to country music stardom has been paved with determination, resilience, and undeniable talent. Now, with the release of her 10th album Postcards from Texas, the 40-year-old star is reflecting on the hurdles she faced as a woman breaking into the male-dominated Texas country scene. In a candid interview with Texas Monthly, Lambert opened up about the early struggles of her career and the perseverance it took to reach the heights she’s achieved.

“It was a longer road for women,” Lambert recalled. “It’s not a bad thing or a good thing. It just is what it is.” Starting her career playing dive bars, rodeos, and opening for bigger acts, she often found herself as the only woman on the bill. Booking agents, reluctant to hire female performers, would tell her family, “Girls don’t draw.” Lambert’s father even resorted to paying promoters “50 bucks to let me get onstage,” determined to help his daughter carve out a spot in the competitive industry.

But the challenges weren’t just in booking gigs—radio success was an uphill battle, too. “There’s been highs, and then there’s been knock-down, drag-out battles that I didn’t win, that my songs just couldn’t win,” Lambert admitted. “For male artists, it’s just a different path. Sometimes I’m like, ‘Damn, that happened quick.’”

Despite the setbacks, Lambert’s talent and grit helped her break through. Her big break came when she placed third on Nashville Star, thanks to a recommendation from fellow country singer Kacey Musgraves’ grandmother. That led to her first record deal with Epic Records and the start of what would become a legendary career.

Now, Lambert stands as one of country music’s most decorated artists, with a record 35 ACM Awards, including nine consecutive wins for Female Vocalist of the Year, surpassing the iconic Reba McEntire. She’s also collected three Grammys and 14 CMA Awards. Most recently, Lambert received the Country Icon Award at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, celebrating her lasting impact on the industry and her authentic, female-forward brand of country music.

Postcards from Texas marks Lambert’s return to her home state, recorded after her move from RCA Nashville to Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud. “I just signed a new record deal at 40 years old,” she told fans at a celebratory concert in Austin, Texas. The album is not only a personal triumph but a reflection of her journey as a trailblazing artist who refused to be held back.

Lambert continues to push boundaries, and as she looks back on her career, she credits the ups and downs for shaping her into the artist she is today. “It’s not been a pretty road,” she said, “but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Now, with two decades of hits under her belt, Lambert has solidified her place as a country music icon, while paving the way for future generations of women in the industry.