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 achieved initial fame in country music at age 13 before transitioning to pop, contemporary Christian, and other genres. Since 1996, she has charted over 40 singles internationally and sold over 48 million records worldwide, including 20.8 million albums in the United States, as reported by Nielsen SoundScan. Billboard recognized her success by ranking her 17th in sales for the 1990s.
1990: Sales Success
From 1990 to 1999, Billboard ranked LeAnn Rimes at number 17 in terms of sales success.
1991: Released debut album 'Everybody's Sweetheart'
In 1991, LeAnn Rimes released her debut album, Everybody's Sweetheart, on an independent label called Nor Va Jak.
July 1994: Released All That Album with "Blue"
In July 1994, LeAnn Rimes included her first version of "Blue" on her second album, All That. She also co-wrote "Share My Love" for this album.
1994: Previously released 'All That'
In February 1997, Curb Records reissued Unchained Melody: The Early Years, a reissue of the previously independently released album 'All That' from 1994.
1996: Released Blue Album
In 1996, LeAnn Rimes released her first Curb album and third overall, Blue. The album sold 123,000 copies in its first week and peaked at number one on Billboard's Top Country Albums.
1996: Signed with Curb Records
In 1996, LeAnn Rimes signed a recording contract with Curb Records in Nashville.
1996: Signed with Curb Records and released "Blue"
In 1996, LeAnn Rimes signed with Curb Records and released the single "Blue". The song became a top-10 hit on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Her first Curb album, also titled Blue, was certified Platinum six times.
1996: Started placing singles on international charts
Since 1996, LeAnn Rimes has placed more than 40 singles on international charts. This marked the beginning of her widespread recognition in the music industry.
February 1997: Curb released Unchained Melody: The Early Years
In February 1997, Curb Records released Unchained Melody: The Early Years, a reissue of All That (1994). It was named after LeAnn Rimes's cover of "Unchained Melody".
1997: Acted in film 'Holiday in Your Heart'
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes began her acting career with the television film Holiday in Your Heart.
1997: Crossed over into pop music with "How Do I Live" and released 'You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs'
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes transitioned into pop music with the release of "How Do I Live", which became one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s. She also released the album You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs, which was certified quadruple Platinum.
1998: Played a teen runaway in Days of Our Lives
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes played a teen runaway in an episode of NBC's Days of Our Lives.
1998: Released 'Sittin' on Top of the World'
In 1998, LeAnn Rimes released her Curb album Sittin' on Top of the World. The album spawned several hits and was certified platinum in July.
October 1999: Released self-titled sixth studio album
In October 1999, LeAnn Rimes's self-titled sixth studio album, co-produced with Wilbur, was released by Curb Records. The record sold over one million copies in the United States.
1999: Sales Success
From 1990 to 1999, Billboard ranked LeAnn Rimes at number 17 in terms of sales success.
1999: Released 'LeAnn Rimes' Album
In 1999, LeAnn Rimes released her self-titled album LeAnn Rimes, which achieved Platinum certification.
1999: Contributed 'I Need You' to the soundtrack for Jesus
In July 2000, LeAnn Rimes contributed "I Need You" to the soundtrack for the 1999 TV movie Jesus. The song was issued as the lead single from the soundtrack.
July 2000: Released "I Need You" from the Jesus soundtrack
In July 2000, LeAnn Rimes contributed "I Need You" to the soundtrack for the 1999 TV movie Jesus. The song was released as a single in both pop and country versions.
November 2000: Sued Curb Records to Nullify Recording Contract
In November 2000, LeAnn Rimes sued Curb Records, seeking to nullify her recording contract which had been signed by her parents on her behalf five years prior. The lawsuit marked a significant challenge to her contractual obligations with the label.
January 2001: Curb Records Released "I Need You" Compilation Against Rimes' Wishes
In January 2001, Curb Records released the compilation album "I Need You", comprising previously released soundtrack appearances and new tracks. LeAnn Rimes publicly disowned the album, stating it was compiled from studio outtakes without her consent or input.
November 2001: Rimes Released from Original Curb Contract and Signed New Agreement
In November 2001, LeAnn Rimes was released from her original recording contract with Curb Records. Following this release, she signed a new agreement with the label under revised terms, marking a significant turning point in her relationship with Curb.
2001: Released 'I Need You' album
In 2001, LeAnn Rimes released the Platinum-certified album I Need You, which compiled several pop singles from soundtrack albums.
March 23, 2002: "I Need You" Reissued with Additional Tracks
On March 23, 2002, the album "I Need You" was reissued with additional tracks. The album was later certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating its commercial success despite the initial controversy.
October 1, 2002: Release of "Twisted Angel" Album
On October 1, 2002, LeAnn Rimes released her seventh studio album, "Twisted Angel". The album was produced by Desmond Child and represented a shift towards dance-pop and adult contemporary music, a departure from her previous country albums.
2002: Released 'Twisted Angel' album
In 2002, LeAnn Rimes released the Gold-certified pop album Twisted Angel.
July 2003: Release of Children's Book "Jag"
In July 2003, LeAnn Rimes released her first children's book titled "Jag", marking her foray into children's literature.
February 2004: Release of International Compilation Album "The Best of LeAnn Rimes"
In February 2004, "The Best of LeAnn Rimes", an international compilation album, was released. It included "Last Thing on My Mind", a collaboration with Ronan Keating, marking a significant release for her international audience.
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", adding a holiday-themed project to her discography.
2004: Released 'What a Wonderful World' album
In 2004, LeAnn Rimes released the Christmas record What a Wonderful World.
January 2005: Release of "This Woman" Album
In January 2005, LeAnn Rimes's ninth studio album, "This Woman", was released. The album marked a return to her country origins and achieved top-five positions on both the Billboard Country Albums chart and the Billboard 200.
2005: Released 'This Woman' album
In 2005, LeAnn Rimes returned to her country origins with the release of This Woman, which produced three country hits and was certified Gold.
2005: Concert Review
In 2005, a review of LeAnn Rimes' concert noted that her stage presence was lacking, but her vocal power was impressive.
2005: Critics praise Rimes' voice
In 2005, critics widely praised LeAnn Rimes' vocal abilities, noting her powerful and mature voice, especially in songs like "Blue."
2006: Hosting Nashville Star and Guest Starring in Holly Hobbie & Friends
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes hosted the USA Network talent competition "Nashville Star". Also in 2006, she performed the theme song and guest-starred in the Christmas episode of the "Holly Hobbie & Friends" series of animated specials, expanding her work into television.
2006: Released 'Whatever We Wanna' album
In 2006, LeAnn Rimes released the album Whatever We Wanna.
October 2007: Release of "Family" Album
In October 2007, LeAnn Rimes released her eleventh studio album, "Family". She co-wrote every track on the album, which received positive reviews for showcasing her vocal range and songwriting skills.
2007: Sheremet directs choreography
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.
2008: Joined Kenny Chesney on Poets and Pirates Tour
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes joined Kenny Chesney on his "Poets and Pirates Tour", showcasing her as a supporting act during a major tour.
2008: Voice in "Just Stand Up"
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes lent her voice to the song "Just Stand Up", with proceeds benefiting Stand Up to Cancer.
2008: Publicly discussed psoriasis
In 2008, LeAnn Rimes publicly discussed her lifelong struggle with psoriasis and participated in a PSA to raise awareness about the disease.
February 2009: "What I Cannot Change" Tops Billboard Dance Charts
In February 2009, the song "What I Cannot Change" from the album "Family" became the first country song to reach the top of the Billboard dance charts, marking a unique achievement in LeAnn Rimes's career.
March 2009: Starred in "Northern Lights" Film
In March 2009, LeAnn Rimes starred as Meg Galloway in the made-for-television film "Northern Lights" on the Lifetime network, which became the network's most-watched television movie. Her real-life affair with Eddie Cibrian, her co-star, garnered significant media attention.
April 14, 2009: Publication of "What I Cannot Change"
On April 14, 2009, LeAnn Rimes published her collaborative self-help book, "What I Cannot Change", co-authored with Darrell Brown, marking her entry into the self-help genre.
2009: Blue album sales
As of 2009, LeAnn Rimes's Blue album has sold over eight million copies worldwide.
2009: Humanitarian Award
In 2009, LeAnn Rimes received a special humanitarian award from the Academy of Country Music in honor of her philanthropic efforts.
December 2010: Performance of "The Rose"
In December 2010, LeAnn Rimes performed "The Rose" with The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles in remembrance of gay teenagers who committed suicide.
2010: Appeared in the film 'Good Intentions'
In 2010, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film Good Intentions.
2010: Played Supporting Role in "Good Intentions"
In 2010, LeAnn Rimes played a supporting role in the movie "Good Intentions" and contributed to the film's soundtrack, furthering her involvement in film projects.
June 18, 2011: Advocacy for equality
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 Reel Love.
2011: Release of "Lady & Gentlemen" Album and Television Film "Reel Love"
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released her twelfth studio album, "Lady & Gentlemen", which featured covers of country songs originally recorded by male artists and starred in the television film "Reel Love" on Country Music Television, along with a guest role on the television show "Drop Dead Diva".
2011: Released 'Lady & Gentlemen' album
In 2011, LeAnn Rimes released the album Lady & Gentlemen.
2011: Review of "Lady & Gentlemen"
In 2011, Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed the album "Lady & Gentlemen" noting that LeAnn Rimes sang with ease becoming a stronger and more nuanced singer.
2013: Release of "Spitfire" and Guest Appearance on "Anger Management"
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released her final album with Curb Records, "Spitfire", which centered around her affair with Eddie Cibrian. Also in 2013, she made a guest appearance on the FX television show "Anger Management".
2013: Released 'Spitfire' album
In 2013, LeAnn Rimes released the album Spitfire.
July 2014: Announced Release of Christmas EPs
In July 2014, LeAnn Rimes announced plans to release three Christmas extended plays over the next three years, marking a significant move in her holiday music offerings.
October 2014: Released "One Christmas: Chapter 1" EP
In October 2014, LeAnn Rimes released the first of her planned Christmas EPs, titled "One Christmas: Chapter 1", which included a cover of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas". She also embarked on the "One Christmas Tour" to promote the project.
2014: Starred 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 show was intended to address public perceptions of their romantic relationship but was cancelled after one season.
2015: Released "Today Is Christmas" Album
In 2015, LeAnn Rimes released "Today Is Christmas", a full-length holiday album that replaced the original plan of multiple EP releases. The album included a duet of "Celebrate Me Home" with Gavin DeGraw.
2016: Glamour review of "Remnants"
In 2016, Glamour reviewed the song "Remnants" and stated that the song showcases the powerhouse vocals that made Rimes famous.
2016: Released 'Remnants' album
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes released the pop studio album Remnants, which featured two number one Billboard dance club hits.
2016: Signed with RCA UK and Released "The Story"
In 2016, LeAnn Rimes signed with RCA UK, an imprint of Sony Music Entertainment, and released a cover of Brandi Carlile's "The Story", signaling a new phase in her career with a major label.
February 2017: Release of "Remnants" in the United States
In February 2017, "Remnants", LeAnn Rimes's fifteenth studio album, was released in the United States after being initially issued in the United Kingdom in 2016. The album included the singles "Long Live Love" and "Love Is Love Is Love."
2017: Revealed Uncle's death from AIDS
In 2017, LeAnn Rimes revealed that her uncle was gay and died from the AIDS virus, inspiring her to advocate for the LGBTQ community.
June 2018: Release of "Re-Imagined" EP
In June 2018, LeAnn Rimes released "Re-Imagined" through EverLe Records and Thirty Tigers, featuring re-recordings of five tracks from her back catalogue, including a duet with Stevie Nicks on "Borrowed".
October 2018: Starred in "It's Christmas, Eve" and Released Soundtrack
In October 2018, LeAnn Rimes starred in the Hallmark original television film "It's Christmas, Eve" and released the film's soundtrack, featuring covers of Christmas standards and new recordings, composed with Darrell Brown.
2018: Starred in 'It's Christmas, Eve'
In 2018, LeAnn Rimes appeared in the film It's Christmas, Eve.
2019: Released "Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall"
In 2019, LeAnn Rimes released her first live album, titled "Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall", marking a new addition to her discography.
November 2020: Released "Chant: The Human & the Holy" Album and "Wholly Human" Podcast
In November 2020, LeAnn Rimes released her sixteenth studio album, "Chant: The Human & the Holy", which was built from chants and mantras. She also launched a health and wellness podcast titled "Wholly Human" focusing on similar themes, expanding her creative endeavors.
December 16, 2020: Won "The Masked Singer" Season 4
On December 16, 2020, LeAnn Rimes, disguised as "Sun," was revealed as the winner of the fourth season of the Fox reality singing competition, "The Masked Singer," marking a significant achievement in her television career.
2020: Nude photoshoot for psoriasis awareness
In 2020, LeAnn Rimes posed for a nude photo shoot 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.
April 14, 2022: Celebrated 25th Anniversary in Music Industry with CMT Crossroads
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, marking a significant milestone in her career.
2022: Released 'God's Work' album
In 2022, LeAnn Rimes released the album God's Work.
April 2023: Collaboration with Tenille Arts on "Jealous of Myself"
In April 2023, LeAnn Rimes collaborated with Tenille Arts on the song "Jealous of Myself", marking a new collaboration in her discography.
2024: 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.
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