The double-platinum redhead moved up to headliner status last year after participating in some major tours. The Judds hand-picked her to open on their reunion tour in 2000 and she spent a good chunk of 1999 on the George Strait Country Music Festival.

Although her childhood home of Massachusetts is far from Nashville, Messina knew early on that country music was her calling. By the age of 16, she and her siblings had formed a band and were playing regularly around New England. Three years later, Messina ventured out to Music City to make her dreams come true.

After gigging around the local scene, Messina signed with Curb Records. Her first album was released in 1996, with Tim McGraw co-producing. Since then, Messina has released two more records – the most recent, Burn, came out last year.

In 1999, the Academy of Country Music awarded Messina with their top new female vocalist honor. She also won the prestigious Horizon Award recognizing career growth by the Country Music Association. At the Boston Music Awards, Messina beat out diverse competitors Aerosmith, Paula Cole, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Rob Zombie to catch the artist of the year honor.