Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (born August 28, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to success as a country music artist at age 13 with her 1996 cover of Bill Mack's "Blue".
Rimes has since crossed over into pop, contemporary Christian, and other musical genres. She has placed over 40 singles on international charts since 1996. In addition, she has sold over 37 million records worldwide, with 20.8 million album sales in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan. Billboard ranked her number 17 in terms of sales success in the 1990–2000 decade.
Rimes was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She is the only child of Wilbur Rimes and Belinda Butler. The family moved to Garland, Texas, when she was six. She was enrolled in vocal and dance classes, and was performing at local talent shows at the age of five. Rimes began her career in musical theatre, performing in a Dallas, Texas, production of A Christmas Carol, and almost landing the lead part in the Broadway production of Annie.
In 1996, at the age of 13, Rimes released her debut album, Blue. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over six million copies in the United States alone. The album's title track, a cover of Bill Mack's 1960s hit, became Rimes's signature song and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The album also spawned the hit singles "One Way Ticket (Because I Can)" and "The Light in Your Eyes".
Rimes's follow-up album, You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs (1997), was also a commercial success, selling over four million copies in the United States. The album's title track, a cover of the Debby Boone hit, reached number one on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart.
In 1999, Rimes released her third studio album, LeAnn Rimes. The album was a departure from her previous country albums, featuring a more pop-oriented sound. The album was a commercial success, selling over three million copies in the United States. The album's lead single, "How Do I Live", reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Rimes has continued to release successful albums throughout her career, including Twisted Angel (2002), This Woman (2005), Family (2007), Lady & Gentlemen (2011), Spitfire (2013), Today Is Christmas (2015), and Remnants (2016).
In addition to her music career, Rimes has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Coyote Ugly (2000), Holiday in Your Heart (1997), Northern Lights (1997), and Drop Dead Diva (2009–2014).
Rimes is a talented and versatile artist who has achieved success in both music and acting. She is a role model for many young women and is known for her powerful voice, her down-to-earth personality, and her commitment to her fans.