Rise to Success: Career Highlights of LeAnn Rimes
Discover the career path of LeAnn Rimes, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
LeAnn Rimes Cibrian is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained prominence in country music at age 13 before transitioning into pop and other genres. With over 40 singles on international charts since 1996 and worldwide sales exceeding 48 million records, she was ranked 17th in sales success by Billboard in the 1990s. Her U.S. album sales total 20.8 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
1990: Billboard ranked Rimes
Between 1990 and 1999, Billboard ranked LeAnn Rimes at number 17 in terms of sales success, highlighting her impact in the music industry during that decade.
1991: Released Everybody's Sweetheart
In 1991, LeAnn Rimes released her debut album, Everybody's Sweetheart, on an independent label called Nor Va Jak, marking the start of her professional music career.
July 1994: Included Blue on album
In July 1994, LeAnn Rimes included her first version of "Blue" on her second and final Nor Va Jak release, All That; she also co-wrote "Share My Love" for this album.
1994: Released album All That
In February 1997, Curb Records released 'Unchained Melody: The Early Years,' a reissue of the previously independently released album 'All That' which was originally released in 1994.
1995: Management Company Founded
In 1995, a management company was founded to manage LeAnn Rimes's career.
1996: Release of Blue
In 1996, LeAnn Rimes released her first Curb album and third overall, 'Blue'. The album sold 123,000 copies in its first week.
1996: Signed with Curb Records
In 1996, LeAnn Rimes signed with Curb Records and released the single "Blue," which became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This solidified her entrance into the mainstream country music scene.
1996: Academy of Country Music Awards
In 1996, The Academy of Country Music awarded LeAnn Rimes Top New Female Vocalist, Song of the Year, and Single Record of the Year. These awards recognized her breakthrough success in the country music scene.
1996: Rimes placed singles on international charts
Since 1996, LeAnn Rimes has placed more than 40 singles on international charts, marking a significant beginning of her career in the music industry.
February 1997: Released Unchained Melody
In February 1997, Curb Records released 'Unchained Melody: The Early Years,' a reissue of the previously independently released album 'All That'.
1997: Won Grammy Award
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes earned her first Grammy Award at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards, in the category of Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance, becoming the youngest person to win these awards.
1997: Acting debut on Holiday in Your Heart
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes made her acting debut on the ABC television film Holiday in Your Heart, marking her entry into the world of acting.
1997: Released "How Do I Live"
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes released "How Do I Live", which became one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s and was included on her next album, 'You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs'.
1998: Released Sittin' on Top of the World
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes released the album Sittin' on Top of the World, which was certified Platinum, contributing to her continued success in the music industry.
1998: Signed three movie contract
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes was offered a three-movie contract by ABC, following her acting debut on the ABC television film Holiday in Your Heart.
March 1999: Blue was certified platinum
In March 1999, LeAnn Rimes's album 'Blue' was certified six times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking a significant milestone in her career.
October 1999: Released album LeAnn Rimes
In October 1999, LeAnn Rimes released her sixth studio album, 'LeAnn Rimes,' which she co-produced with Wilbur. This album was a collection of country music cover songs mainly by Patsy Cline.
1999: Billboard ranked Rimes
Between 1990 and 1999, Billboard ranked LeAnn Rimes at number 17 in terms of sales success, highlighting her impact in the music industry during that decade.
1999: Released LeAnn Rimes album
In 1999, LeAnn Rimes released the album LeAnn Rimes, which continued her streak of successful albums and further solidified her position in the music industry.
July 2000: Release of "I Need You" Single
In July 2000, LeAnn Rimes released "I Need You" as the lead single from the 'Jesus' soundtrack in both pop and country versions, reaching number eight on the Billboard country songs chart and number 11 on the Hot 100.
November 2000: Lawsuit Against Curb Records
In November 2000, LeAnn Rimes filed a lawsuit against Curb Records to nullify her recording contract that her parents signed on her behalf five years earlier.
May 2001: Ruling on Curb Records Contract
In May 2001, a Nashville court informed LeAnn Rimes that she could not break her contract with Curb Records.
November 2001: Release from Curb Contract and New Agreement
In November 2001, LeAnn Rimes was released from her original contract with Curb Records and subsequently signed a new agreement with the label under revised terms.
2001: Released I Need You album
In 2001, LeAnn Rimes released the album I Need You, which compiled several of her soundtrack singles and was certified Platinum, highlighting her ability to create hit songs for movie soundtracks.
October 1, 2002: Release of 'Twisted Angel' Album
On October 1, 2002, LeAnn Rimes released her seventh studio album, 'Twisted Angel', which featured a shift towards dance-pop and adult contemporary sounds, marking a departure from her previous country albums.
2002: Released Twisted Angel album
In 2002, LeAnn Rimes released the Gold-certified pop album Twisted Angel, marking a shift towards pop music and demonstrating her willingness to explore different genres.
July 2003: Release of 'Jag' Children's Book
In July 2003, LeAnn Rimes released her first children's book titled 'Jag'.
February 2004: Release of 'The Best of LeAnn Rimes'
In February 2004, LeAnn Rimes' international Greatest Hits compilation, 'The Best of LeAnn Rimes', was released, featuring a collaboration with Ronan Keating on "Last Thing on My Mind".
October 2004: Release of 'What a Wonderful World' Christmas Album
In October 2004, LeAnn Rimes released her first Christmas album and eighth studio album, 'What a Wonderful World'.
2004: Released What a Wonderful World album
In 2004, LeAnn Rimes released the Christmas record What a Wonderful World, showcasing her versatility and ability to create music for different occasions.
January 2005: Release of 'This Woman' Album
In January 2005, LeAnn Rimes released her ninth studio album, 'This Woman,' marking a return to her country origins, and it reached the top five on both the Billboard Country Albums chart and the Billboard 200.
2005: Chicago Tribune Concert Review
In 2005, Chrissie Dickinson of The Chicago Tribune reviewed a LeAnn Rimes concert, noting that while Rimes's stage presence was lacking, her vocal power was significant.
2005: Released This Woman album
In 2005, LeAnn Rimes returned to her country origins with the album This Woman, which produced three country hits and was certified Gold, reaffirming her roots in country music.
2005: Vocal Strength Noticed
In 2005, critics noted LeAnn Rimes's strong vocals, with The Washington Post highlighting that her voice was her strongest selling point and belied her young age, especially when performing songs like "Blue".
2006: Theme song to the Holly Hobbie & Friends series
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes performed the theme song to the Holly Hobbie & Friends series of animated specials and guest starred in the series' Christmas episode.
2006: Released Whatever We Wanna album
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes released the album Whatever We Wanna, continuing to explore different musical styles and pushing creative boundaries.
October 2007: Release of 'Family' Album
In October 2007, LeAnn Rimes released her eleventh studio album, 'Family', featuring writing credits from Rimes on every track, showcasing her range as a singer and strength as a writer.
2007: Sheremet Choreographs Rimes's Music Video
In 2007, Dean Sheremet directed the choreography for LeAnn Rimes's single "Nothin' Better to Do".
2007: Released Family album
In 2007, LeAnn Rimes released the album Family, further exploring her musical range and personal experiences through her music.
2008: Joined Kenny Chesney on Poets and Pirates Tour
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes joined Kenny Chesney on his Poets and Pirates Tour.
2008: Contribution to "Just Stand Up"
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes lent her voice to the song "Just Stand Up", with proceeds benefiting Stand Up to Cancer.
2008: Opens Up About Psoriasis
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes opened up about her lifelong struggle with psoriasis and participated in a PSA to raise awareness about the autoimmune disease.
February 2009: "What I Cannot Change" Tops Billboard Dance Charts
In February 2009, LeAnn Rimes' single "What I Cannot Change" from the album 'Family' became the first country song to top the Billboard dance charts.
March 2009: Aired in Northern Lights film
In March 2009, LeAnn Rimes starred in the made-for-television film 'Northern Lights' on Lifetime, which became the network's most-watched television movie due to media publicity of her affair with co-star Eddie Cibrian.
April 14, 2009: Publication of 'What I Cannot Change' Self-Help Book
On April 14, 2009, LeAnn Rimes published the collaborative self-help book 'What I Cannot Change' with Darrell Brown.
2009: Over eight million copies sold worldwide
As of 2009, LeAnn Rimes's album 'Blue' has sold over eight million copies worldwide, further solidifying its success and impact on the music industry.
2009: Humanitarian Award from Academy of Country Music
In 2009, LeAnn Rimes received a special humanitarian award from the Academy of Country Music in honor of her philanthropic efforts.
December 2010: Performance with The Gay Men's Chorus
In December 2010, LeAnn Rimes performed "The Rose" with The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles in remembrance of gay teenagers who died by suicide.
2010: Appeared in Good Intentions
In 2010, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film Good Intentions, furthering her acting career and showcasing her talent in different roles.
2010: Good Intentions movie supporting role
In 2010, LeAnn Rimes played a supporting role in the movie 'Good Intentions' and contributed to the film's soundtrack.
June 18, 2011: Advocacy for Equality on Weblog
On June 18, 2011, LeAnn Rimes expressed her belief in equality for everyone and the right to love whomever they want on her weblog.
2011: Appeared in Reel Love
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film Reel Love, continuing her acting career and showcasing her versatility in different roles.
2011: Release of 'Lady & Gentlemen' Album and Television Film 'Reel Love'
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released her twelfth studio album 'Lady & Gentlemen', which contained covers of country songs originally recorded by male artists. She also starred in the television film 'Reel Love' and had a guest role on the television show 'Drop Dead Diva'.
2011: Released Lady & Gentlemen album
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released the album Lady & Gentlemen, showcasing her interpretation of classic country songs and paying tribute to male country artists.
2013: Tribute to Patsy Cline
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes performed a tribute to Patsy Cline at the American Country Awards, singing a medley of Cline's songs to honor Cline's influence on her.
2013: Release of 'Spitfire' Album and 'Anger Management' Guest Appearance
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released her final album with Curb, 'Spitfire', which centered around her affair with Eddie Cibrian and the media speculation around their relationship. She also made a guest appearance on the FX television show 'Anger Management'.
2013: Released Spitfire album
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released the album Spitfire, marking another milestone in her discography and showcasing her artistic evolution.
July 2014: Announcement of Christmas EP Releases
In July 2014, LeAnn Rimes announced her plans to release three Christmas extended plays over the next three years.
October 2014: Release of 'One Christmas: Chapter 1' EP
In October 2014, LeAnn Rimes released 'One Christmas: Chapter 1', the first of her planned Christmas EPs, featuring a cover of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".
2014: Starring in Reality Television Series 'LeAnn & Eddie'
In 2014, LeAnn Rimes starred in the reality television series 'LeAnn & Eddie' alongside Eddie Cibrian, which aired on VH1. The program aimed to "help clear the air" about their romantic relationship.
2015: Released Today Is Christmas album
In 2015, LeAnn Rimes released the Christmas album Today Is Christmas, adding to her collection of holiday-themed music.
2016: Glamour Review of "Remnants"
In 2016, Jessica Goodman of Glamour found that LeAnn Rimes's song "Remnants" showcased the powerhouse vocals that made her famous years ago.
2016: Released Remnants album
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes released the pop studio album Remnants, which featured two number one Billboard dance club hits, highlighting her success in the dance music scene.
2016: Signing with RCA UK and Release of "The Story"
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes signed with RCA UK and released a cover of Brandi Carlile's "The Story", which was included on her album "Remnants".
February 2017: Release of 'Remnants' in the United States
In February 2017, LeAnn Rimes' fifteenth studio album, 'Remnants,' which had been previously released in the UK in 2016, was released in the United States.
2017: Speaking on Behalf of LGBTQ Community
In 2017, LeAnn Rimes revealed that her uncle was gay and died from AIDS, and she uses her platform to give a voice to her LGBTQ brothers and sisters.
June 2018: Release of 'Re-Imagined' EP
In June 2018, LeAnn Rimes released 'Re-Imagined', an EP containing re-recorded tracks from her back catalogue, including a collaboration with Stevie Nicks.
October 2018: Release of 'It's Christmas, Eve' Soundtrack
In October 2018, LeAnn Rimes released the soundtrack for the Hallmark television film 'It's Christmas, Eve', including covers of Christmas standards and new recordings composed with producer Darrell Brown.
2018: Appeared in It's Christmas, Eve
In 2018, LeAnn Rimes appeared in It's Christmas, Eve, adding to her filmography and displaying her acting talent in a Christmas-themed film.
2019: Release of 'Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall' Album
In 2019, LeAnn Rimes released her first live album, 'Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall'.
November 2020: Release of Chant: The Human & the Holy
In November 2020, LeAnn Rimes released her sixteenth studio album, Chant: The Human & the Holy. The album features 12 tracks built from chants and daily mantras. She also launched a corresponding health and wellness podcast titled Wholly Human.
December 16, 2020: Winning The Masked Singer
On December 16, 2020, LeAnn Rimes was revealed as "Sun" and declared the winner of the fourth season of The Masked Singer, a Fox reality singing competition.
2020: Nude Photoshoot for Psoriasis Awareness
In 2020, LeAnn Rimes posed for a nude photoshoot for Glamour magazine to raise awareness and acceptance about psoriasis on World Psoriasis Day.
2020: Released Chant: The Human & the Holy album
In 2020, LeAnn Rimes released the album Chant: The Human & the Holy, showcasing her exploration of spiritual and introspective themes in her music.
April 14, 2022: CMT Crossroads Anniversary Episode
On April 14, 2022, LeAnn Rimes celebrated her 25th year in the music industry with a special CMT Crossroads episode featuring Carly Pearce, Brandy Clark, Ashley McBryde and Mickey Guyton.
2022: Released God's Work album
In 2022, LeAnn Rimes released the album God's Work, continuing to explore themes of faith and spirituality in her music.
April 2023: Collaboration on "Jealous of Myself"
In April 2023, LeAnn Rimes collaborated with Tenille Arts on the song "Jealous of Myself".
2024: Featured as a coach on The Voice Australia and The Voice UK
In 2024, LeAnn Rimes was featured as a coach on The Voice Australia and The Voice UK, marking her role as a mentor in international singing competitions.
April 2025: Record Sales
As of April 2025, LeAnn Rimes has sold over 48 million records worldwide.
2025: Cast as Dixie Bennings on 9-1-1: Nashville
In 2025, LeAnn Rimes was cast as Dixie Bennings on 9-1-1: Nashville, indicating her involvement in a new television project.
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