Miranda Lambert Is Eager To Get Into the Country Music Hall of Fame—but First, She’s “Got a Lot of Work To Do”

At the start of her career, Miranda Lambert, like many before her, struggled to find her footing in the music industry. Although knowing the hardships that stood in front of her, the country singer never lost sight of her dream. And even after she placed third on Nashville Star, she continued to push forward. All that work and sacrifice appeared to pay off in 2005 when she released her album, Kerosene. Igniting a fire, Lambert spent over two decades releasing songs like “If I Was a Cowboy” and “Wranglers.” Now, with the star eligible for the Country Music Hall of Fame, it seems that Lambert knew she had some work to do. 

Videos by American Songwriter

In October, the Country Music Hall of Fame will celebrate another class of inductees. This year, the recipients included Kenny Chesney, producer Tony Brown, and even June Carter Cash. But for Lambert, the ceremony was just another reminder of how much work she needed to do to add her name to the list of icons sitting in the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Speaking to Taste of Country Nights, Lambert didn’t appear concerned about when she would be inducted. “I have a lot of work to do before I get in there, and I know it, but that’s okay.” Not wanting the massive achievement just handed to her, the singer added, “Yeah! You gotta earn that. You gotta earn that spot, and I’m willing to do the work.”

Although more than willing to put in the work, Lambert had no worries about eventually making it into the Country Music Hall of Fame. “I’m gonna get in there, just, at the right time.”

[RELATED: Miranda Lambert Shouts Out Ella Langley After Her Iconic “Kerosene” Tribute at ACM Awards]

The Icons Who Constantly Inspire Miranda Lambert

With Lambert following in the footsteps of other great country stars, she knew the dedication and years of work it took for the Country Music Hall of Fame to notice. And thankfully, she had more than a few inspirations. 

When asked about the icons that motivated her through the hard years, Lambert insisted, “So many people have inspired me, but country, specifically. The obvious ones: Dolly (Parton) and Reba (McEntire) because they are our queens, Loretta Lynn. But on this record, specifically, I feel like George Strait had a lot of influence for me. We call him the king in Texas for a reason.”

Not finished leaving her mark in country music, it’s not a matter of if but when will Lambert see her name in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)