Most Passionate Fans: 2016 Taste of Country Fan Choice Awards
Country music fans are the most passionate of any genre of music, but some artists have an even closer relationship with their fans than usual. Who has the most passionate fans in country music? Take a look at the 2016 nominees in the Taste of Country Fan Choice Awards!
Carrie Underwood is certainly a real contender for the country artist with the most passionate fans. She was one of the very first country stars to build a huge online following due to her run on American Idol, which she was the first country artist to win. She won the show through her talent and hard work, but it is her down-to-earth personality and genuine sincerity as a person that have made her an artist that fans follow feverishly, not only in her career, but in her marriage to Mike Fisher and her becoming a first-time mom.
Home Free are another act that came to country fans via television, and that always helps a new artist establish a big base. But it is the strikingly unique harmonies and clever song selections that make the group's fans so passionate about the a capella singers, while Scotty McCreery's McCreerians have emerged as some of the most adamantly vocal fans in the genre as a result of his down-home appeal, vocal ability, grace and faith.
Eric Church always goes way out his way for the Church Choir, his most dedicated fans. He makes sure to protect them against scalpers, he works hard to ensure that his live shows are one-of-a-kind and he even sent them his most recent album, Mr. Misunderstood, before he released it to retail, building a very special relationship. Brantley Gilbert has built an exceptionally loyal fanbase by flying under the radar at country radio oftentimes, while playing some of the most high-energy live shows in the business. His fans are supporting a lifestyle, not just his music, and his support of the military also makes him a fan favorite.
Chris Young is another performer who has parlayed a winning run on reality television into real-world success, and this year has been the best of his career so far, landing him multiple No. 1 hits, a CMA nomination, and seeing him graduate to headlining status in his own arena shows.
Which one of these stars do you think has the most passionate fans in country music? You can vote below for your favorite as often as once each hour from now until this poll closes at 6PM ET on Nov. 30.