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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

20 Amazing Bodies of Singers From the Midwest 

FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Madonna: The Celebration Tour - London
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza

The Midwest is home to more genres of music you might think, from Motown originating in Detroit, to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame being located in Cleveland. Also, a slew of iconic musicians are from the Midwest. Madonna is from Detroit, Elle King is from Ohio, and Janelle Monae is from Kansas City. How do these stars stay so fit? Read on to see all the ways singers from the Midwest stay in shape and the photos that prove they work.


1. Madonna

Madonna "The Celebration Tour" - RioKevin Mazur/WireImage

Madonna is originally from Detroit. She works with personal trainer, Craig Smith, to help her stay in shape. "Madonna does five to six workouts weekly that vary on a daily basis and focus on a variety of methods and training modalities,” Smith revealed in an interview with Glamour. “Her workouts include dance, resistance training, interval training, yoga, barre workouts, Pilates, aerobics, athletic conditioning, and circuit training."

2. Haley Reinhart

ETM Pictures "Holiday Twist" World PremiereAmy Graves/Getty Images

Haley Reinhart is originally from Wheeling, Illinois. She tells Forbes that she wants to be a source of positivity for others. “I feel like I have several callings and one of them is to be a light warrior for whoever I can reach. There's a lot of people out there who are told even to feel sadder than they have to be. Like s**t's bad enough. So I'm trying to overcome what I'm dealing with, spread love and peace however cliche it sounds. That is the bottom line message for everything that I've put out. So I'd rather focus on that; help people reach their higher selves, their higher consciousness, and just focus on that especially at the shows. When we're together, I feel that energy bouncing back and forth. It depends what kind of energy you want to put out there, but I'd rather be uplifting powerfully.”

3. Sheryl Crow

Grammys On The Hill - Day 1Paul Morigi/Getty Images

Sheryl Crow is originally from Missouri. She shared some of her wellness secrets in an interview with Shape Magazine. Crow likes to practice meditation. "One of the things that has changed my life—and this comes from someone who was highly self-critical and a type-A personality—is meditating. The simple act of making my brain shut off for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night may not seem like much, but what ends up happening, besides creating space in your day, is your awake posture begins to replicate your meditative posture.”

4. Jennifer Hudson

35th Annual GLAAD Media AwardsTaylor Hill/FilmMagic

Jennifer Hudson is from Illinois. She shared her favorite skincare products with The Strategist. “Skincare is one of the most important things to me,” Hudson said. “This Olay moisturizer takes care of everything: It moisturizes and delivers retinol, so it keeps skin hydrated and plump. It’s a great price, too, for everything you’re getting. It’s been a huge part of my regimen. I started using retinol a few years ago — I can’t remember exactly when — and have been very consistent with it. I haven’t stopped because it really makes a big difference in my skin.”

5. Janelle Monae

The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" - ArrivalsJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Janelle Monae is originally from Kansas. She shared how her performance schedule affects what she needs to eat to Bon Appetit. “Because our shows are so high energy, if I eat too close to performing I can get a cramp. So I try to eat maybe three hours before. I used to eat the same meal before every show: chicken, rice, and green beans. People were like, You really are some sort of android robot.”

6. Da Brat

Black Excellence Brunch Celebrates "The Color Purple" Hosted By Trell ThomasGetty Images

Rapper Da Brat is from Chicago originally. She is a member of the LGBTQ community, and talked about coming out in an interview with Buzzfeed. “I didn't care what people thought, and I came out no matter what the consequences were gonna be. And then, after I did, it was as if a weight lifted, and the world was just a better place. It was just more colorful and more love, and so many people supported me. I feel like they love me even more, which was great because I was scared. But you know, I met somebody that inspired me to not give a fuck, actually. I wanted the world to know [that] I'm in love with this woman — like, I want to hold her hand in public. I had never been able to be publicly affectionate with anybody or anything like that. So it was just a good, good feeling. I felt like a snake that shed his skin and got some new skin.”

7. Sara Evans

The 57th Annual CMA Awards - ArrivalsTaylor Hill/WireImage

Sara Evans is originally from Missouri. She revealed that she loves to cook for her family in an interview with Redbook. "We're kind of food snobs — not in the sense that we eat fancy food, but just that we don't like restaurant food that much," says Evans. "So I like to try to cook at least three nights a week, just to feel better about myself as a mom. And it's much less expensive, you know what you're getting, you know what you're feeding them."

8. Ava Max

World Premiere Of "Barbie" - Red CarpetMatt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

Ava Max was born in Milwaukee. She shared her favorite essentials in an interview with GQ. Max loves pistachios as a healthy snack option. “I feel like I'm always hungry. And lately I've been trying like the whole gluten free diet. And so I don't have crackers anymore on me. So I always have some kind of nuts. That sounds so weird. Some kind of nut, but pistachios in my bag. Unshelled, unsalted. If they're too salty then my cheeks go from like left to right. Like I just look like, you know. Pistachios are my jam.”

9. SZA

Billboard Power 100 Event - InsideGetty Images

SZA is from St. Louis, Missouri. She revealed to Refinery29 that she likes to use natural skincare products. “I have to choose products that I can find in nature. I have cystic acne, so I use a Manuka honey mask to combat it and hemp oil to smooth out the surface of my skin. I also use a Vitamin C serum and black soap, and that's it. If I go to the dermatologist and get a peel, she prescribes me shit after, but I don't use it. My skin goes crazy, and I break out."

10. Betty Who

Clarins New Product Launch PartyOlivia Wong/Getty Images

Betty Who spent a portion of her childhood in Michigan. In an interview with Schon Magazine, she talked about her life and career. “I think I spent a lot of time in the early years of my career trying to learn how to be in the business. I always knew how to write songs and sing – that’s never been the thing I needed help with. I’ve gotten better as I’ve honed my craft, but the thing I had no idea how to do was be a successful business person. How could I have? I was 21 when I signed my record deal with Sony. There has been a lot of trial and error, and a lot of that had to do with my identity: I was writing music to serve this greater entity that was my business as opposed to trying to be an artist and lean into the creative part of me.”

11. Taylor Momsen

The Recording Academy's 2023 Special Merit Awards CeremonyKevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen is originally from Missouri. In an interview with Buzzfeed, the Pretty Reckless frontwoman talked about how music helped with her depression. “I know it sounds really cliché, but it was rock ’n’ roll and music that pulled me out of it, and I eventually got to a place where I could start listening to records again.”

12. Tatiana Hazel

TatianaHazelTatiana Hazel / Instagram

Tatiana Hazel is originally from Chicago. She shared where her inspirations come from in an interview with Alt Press. “I am super inspired and impacted creatively just by traveling in general, so any time I would visit a place for a couple of weeks, it would change my perspective. So definitely moving and just being surrounded by different things every day and meeting new people who listen to different kinds of music, I know that it’s had a huge influence just based on the things I’m writing about and the things I see every day.”

13. Janet Jackson

Christian Siriano SS24 Runway Show - Front Row & AtmosphereJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Janet Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. She works with trainer, Paulette Sybliss, to help her stay in shape. Sybliss talked about getting Jackson in shape for her tour to E! News. “We had a very vigorous training schedule. We were training a minimum of four times a week and the sessions were never less than 45 minutes, no more than an hour. Very intense, though. Very intense training."

14. Michelle Williams

Michelle WilliamsMichelle Williams/Instagram

The Destiny’s Child member is from Illinois. Williams likes to work out for her mental health. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram post. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A part of taking care of your mental health is fitness/working out! I know there will be at least one comment that says ‘Michelle, you’re slim so you don’t need to work out.’ I actually work out because of how I feel afterwards.”

15. Hailey Whitters

The 57th Annual CMA Awards - ArrivalsJason Davis/WireImage

Hailey Whitters is originally from Iowa. She talked about writing her album The Dream to Parkrecord.com. “I wanted to show that process from me being a broken-hearted waitress to where I am now with all the bucket-list moments that I had originally given up on,” she said. “So I collaborated with some key artists who have had a big hand in my success these last two years. I wanted to show fans this is what can happen if you don’t give up, stay on course and follow that dream.”

16. Jana Kramer

iHeartRadio Power 96.1's Jingle Ball 2023 - BackstageParas Griffin/Getty Images

Country star, actress, and podcast host, Jana Kramer, is originally from Michigan. She opened up about her approach to fitness in an interview with Us Weekly. “Working out has always helped my mood and energy. When I don’t, I’m crabbier. I like this pregnancy so much better than the first one just because I feel healthier. It really does help the mind.”

17. Anastacia

Goldene Henne 2023 In LeipzigTristar Media/WireImage

The “I’m Outta Love” singer was born in Chicago. Anastacia shared her favorite workout secrets in an interview with Express. “Yoga has been a lifesaver because I have two herniated discs in my spine and it really helps me to stay flexible. I’m quite active on stage, so that’s my workout rather than going to a gym. I only enjoy the gym when I have a trainer and a schedule.”

18. Keke Palmer

Amazon MGM Studios And Prime Video UpfrontJason Mendez/Getty Images

Keke Palmer was born and raised in Illinois. Her trainer, Corey Calliet, tells E! News that she does a lot of weight training. "A lot of women run away from weight training. But when [Keke] comes to the gym, we do 20 minutes of warming up, then we go into functional training, such as doing a back and a leg workout."

19. Sutton Foster

"Harmony" Opening Night - ArrivalsGetty Images

Actress, singer, and Broadway star, Sutton Foster was raised in Troy, Michigan. In an interview with Parade, she described her daily routine. Foster typically works out in the morning “I do Body by Simone, a dance-based workout. I do one-on-one trainings with a trainer there named Beth Nicely, but I also take classes. I also love to spin at Soul Cycle. Those are my go-tos!”

20. Elle King

Audacy's Leading Ladies 2024Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Elle King is originally from Ohio. She talked about opening up and finding support for her mental health on social media to Vogue. “I was really just reaching out for anything—any kind of response. What I got was this beautiful flush of connection and people saying, ‘I hear you,’ and sharing their stories with me. I realized then that when you’re honest and vulnerable and genuine, people will accept you.”

More For You

Madonna: The Celebration Tour - London
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

The Midwest is home to more genres of music you might think, from Motown originating in Detroit, to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame being located in Cleveland. Also, a slew of iconic musicians are from the Midwest. Madonna is from Detroit, Elle King is from Ohio, and Janelle Monae is from Kansas City. How do these stars stay so fit? Read on to see all the ways singers from the Midwest stay in shape and the photos that prove they work.


1. Madonna

Madonna "The Celebration Tour" - RioKevin Mazur/WireImage

Madonna is originally from Detroit. She works with personal trainer, Craig Smith, to help her stay in shape. "Madonna does five to six workouts weekly that vary on a daily basis and focus on a variety of methods and training modalities,” Smith revealed in an interview with Glamour. “Her workouts include dance, resistance training, interval training, yoga, barre workouts, Pilates, aerobics, athletic conditioning, and circuit training."

2. Haley Reinhart

ETM Pictures "Holiday Twist" World PremiereAmy Graves/Getty Images

Haley Reinhart is originally from Wheeling, Illinois. She tells Forbes that she wants to be a source of positivity for others. “I feel like I have several callings and one of them is to be a light warrior for whoever I can reach. There's a lot of people out there who are told even to feel sadder than they have to be. Like s**t's bad enough. So I'm trying to overcome what I'm dealing with, spread love and peace however cliche it sounds. That is the bottom line message for everything that I've put out. So I'd rather focus on that; help people reach their higher selves, their higher consciousness, and just focus on that especially at the shows. When we're together, I feel that energy bouncing back and forth. It depends what kind of energy you want to put out there, but I'd rather be uplifting powerfully.”

3. Sheryl Crow

Grammys On The Hill - Day 1Paul Morigi/Getty Images

Sheryl Crow is originally from Missouri. She shared some of her wellness secrets in an interview with Shape Magazine. Crow likes to practice meditation. "One of the things that has changed my life—and this comes from someone who was highly self-critical and a type-A personality—is meditating. The simple act of making my brain shut off for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night may not seem like much, but what ends up happening, besides creating space in your day, is your awake posture begins to replicate your meditative posture.”

4. Jennifer Hudson

35th Annual GLAAD Media AwardsTaylor Hill/FilmMagic

Jennifer Hudson is from Illinois. She shared her favorite skincare products with The Strategist. “Skincare is one of the most important things to me,” Hudson said. “This Olay moisturizer takes care of everything: It moisturizes and delivers retinol, so it keeps skin hydrated and plump. It’s a great price, too, for everything you’re getting. It’s been a huge part of my regimen. I started using retinol a few years ago — I can’t remember exactly when — and have been very consistent with it. I haven’t stopped because it really makes a big difference in my skin.”

5. Janelle Monae

The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" - ArrivalsJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Janelle Monae is originally from Kansas. She shared how her performance schedule affects what she needs to eat to Bon Appetit. “Because our shows are so high energy, if I eat too close to performing I can get a cramp. So I try to eat maybe three hours before. I used to eat the same meal before every show: chicken, rice, and green beans. People were like, You really are some sort of android robot.”

6. Da Brat

Black Excellence Brunch Celebrates "The Color Purple" Hosted By Trell ThomasGetty Images

Rapper Da Brat is from Chicago originally. She is a member of the LGBTQ community, and talked about coming out in an interview with Buzzfeed. “I didn't care what people thought, and I came out no matter what the consequences were gonna be. And then, after I did, it was as if a weight lifted, and the world was just a better place. It was just more colorful and more love, and so many people supported me. I feel like they love me even more, which was great because I was scared. But you know, I met somebody that inspired me to not give a fuck, actually. I wanted the world to know [that] I'm in love with this woman — like, I want to hold her hand in public. I had never been able to be publicly affectionate with anybody or anything like that. So it was just a good, good feeling. I felt like a snake that shed his skin and got some new skin.”

7. Sara Evans

The 57th Annual CMA Awards - ArrivalsTaylor Hill/WireImage

Sara Evans is originally from Missouri. She revealed that she loves to cook for her family in an interview with Redbook. "We're kind of food snobs — not in the sense that we eat fancy food, but just that we don't like restaurant food that much," says Evans. "So I like to try to cook at least three nights a week, just to feel better about myself as a mom. And it's much less expensive, you know what you're getting, you know what you're feeding them."

8. Ava Max

World Premiere Of "Barbie" - Red CarpetMatt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

Ava Max was born in Milwaukee. She shared her favorite essentials in an interview with GQ. Max loves pistachios as a healthy snack option. “I feel like I'm always hungry. And lately I've been trying like the whole gluten free diet. And so I don't have crackers anymore on me. So I always have some kind of nuts. That sounds so weird. Some kind of nut, but pistachios in my bag. Unshelled, unsalted. If they're too salty then my cheeks go from like left to right. Like I just look like, you know. Pistachios are my jam.”

9. SZA

Billboard Power 100 Event - InsideGetty Images

SZA is from St. Louis, Missouri. She revealed to Refinery29 that she likes to use natural skincare products. “I have to choose products that I can find in nature. I have cystic acne, so I use a Manuka honey mask to combat it and hemp oil to smooth out the surface of my skin. I also use a Vitamin C serum and black soap, and that's it. If I go to the dermatologist and get a peel, she prescribes me shit after, but I don't use it. My skin goes crazy, and I break out."

10. Betty Who

Clarins New Product Launch PartyOlivia Wong/Getty Images

Betty Who spent a portion of her childhood in Michigan. In an interview with Schon Magazine, she talked about her life and career. “I think I spent a lot of time in the early years of my career trying to learn how to be in the business. I always knew how to write songs and sing – that’s never been the thing I needed help with. I’ve gotten better as I’ve honed my craft, but the thing I had no idea how to do was be a successful business person. How could I have? I was 21 when I signed my record deal with Sony. There has been a lot of trial and error, and a lot of that had to do with my identity: I was writing music to serve this greater entity that was my business as opposed to trying to be an artist and lean into the creative part of me.”

11. Taylor Momsen

The Recording Academy's 2023 Special Merit Awards CeremonyKevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen is originally from Missouri. In an interview with Buzzfeed, the Pretty Reckless frontwoman talked about how music helped with her depression. “I know it sounds really cliché, but it was rock ’n’ roll and music that pulled me out of it, and I eventually got to a place where I could start listening to records again.”

12. Tatiana Hazel

TatianaHazelTatiana Hazel / Instagram

Tatiana Hazel is originally from Chicago. She shared where her inspirations come from in an interview with Alt Press. “I am super inspired and impacted creatively just by traveling in general, so any time I would visit a place for a couple of weeks, it would change my perspective. So definitely moving and just being surrounded by different things every day and meeting new people who listen to different kinds of music, I know that it’s had a huge influence just based on the things I’m writing about and the things I see every day.”

13. Janet Jackson

Christian Siriano SS24 Runway Show - Front Row & AtmosphereJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Janet Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. She works with trainer, Paulette Sybliss, to help her stay in shape. Sybliss talked about getting Jackson in shape for her tour to E! News. “We had a very vigorous training schedule. We were training a minimum of four times a week and the sessions were never less than 45 minutes, no more than an hour. Very intense, though. Very intense training."

14. Michelle Williams

Michelle WilliamsMichelle Williams/Instagram

The Destiny’s Child member is from Illinois. Williams likes to work out for her mental health. She talked about this in the caption of this Instagram post. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A part of taking care of your mental health is fitness/working out! I know there will be at least one comment that says ‘Michelle, you’re slim so you don’t need to work out.’ I actually work out because of how I feel afterwards.”

15. Hailey Whitters

The 57th Annual CMA Awards - ArrivalsJason Davis/WireImage

Hailey Whitters is originally from Iowa. She talked about writing her album The Dream to Parkrecord.com. “I wanted to show that process from me being a broken-hearted waitress to where I am now with all the bucket-list moments that I had originally given up on,” she said. “So I collaborated with some key artists who have had a big hand in my success these last two years. I wanted to show fans this is what can happen if you don’t give up, stay on course and follow that dream.”

16. Jana Kramer

iHeartRadio Power 96.1's Jingle Ball 2023 - BackstageParas Griffin/Getty Images

Country star, actress, and podcast host, Jana Kramer, is originally from Michigan. She opened up about her approach to fitness in an interview with Us Weekly. “Working out has always helped my mood and energy. When I don’t, I’m crabbier. I like this pregnancy so much better than the first one just because I feel healthier. It really does help the mind.”

17. Anastacia

Goldene Henne 2023 In LeipzigTristar Media/WireImage

The “I’m Outta Love” singer was born in Chicago. Anastacia shared her favorite workout secrets in an interview with Express. “Yoga has been a lifesaver because I have two herniated discs in my spine and it really helps me to stay flexible. I’m quite active on stage, so that’s my workout rather than going to a gym. I only enjoy the gym when I have a trainer and a schedule.”

18. Keke Palmer

Amazon MGM Studios And Prime Video UpfrontJason Mendez/Getty Images

Keke Palmer was born and raised in Illinois. Her trainer, Corey Calliet, tells E! News that she does a lot of weight training. "A lot of women run away from weight training. But when [Keke] comes to the gym, we do 20 minutes of warming up, then we go into functional training, such as doing a back and a leg workout."

19. Sutton Foster

"Harmony" Opening Night - ArrivalsGetty Images

Actress, singer, and Broadway star, Sutton Foster was raised in Troy, Michigan. In an interview with Parade, she described her daily routine. Foster typically works out in the morning “I do Body by Simone, a dance-based workout. I do one-on-one trainings with a trainer there named Beth Nicely, but I also take classes. I also love to spin at Soul Cycle. Those are my go-tos!”

20. Elle King

Audacy's Leading Ladies 2024Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Elle King is originally from Ohio. She talked about opening up and finding support for her mental health on social media to Vogue. “I was really just reaching out for anything—any kind of response. What I got was this beautiful flush of connection and people saying, ‘I hear you,’ and sharing their stories with me. I realized then that when you’re honest and vulnerable and genuine, people will accept you.”

Celeb News

20 Amazing Bodies of Nashville Stars

This is how they stay show-ready.

New,York,,New,York,-,September,09:,Kelsea,Ballerini,Attends
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza

Strap in and delve into the health and fitness journeys of some of country music's most beloved artists. From Miranda Lambert's embrace of self-acceptance to Keith Urban's candid revelations about sobriety, each story is a testament to personal growth and self-care. Kelsea Ballerini highlights the importance of 'me time,' while Maren Morris finds joy in tennis. Carrie Underwood shares her on-the-road workout secrets, and Kacey Musgraves speaks on diet balance. These narratives, along with others from stars like Shay Mooney, Tim McGraw, and Dierks Bentley, offer inspiring insights into staying fit and healthy amidst the demands of fame and busy schedules.


1. Miranda Lambert

Las,Vegas-apr,15:,Singer,Miranda,Lambert,Attends,The,53rd,AnnualShutterstock

Miranda Lambert talked about her journey with self-acceptance with Health Magazine. "I’m only 5'4" so weight shows quickly on me. I've hit a comfortable place; this is pretty much my size. I’m a size 6, give or take five pounds, depending on the day."

2. Kelsea Ballerini

Las,Vegas,-,Mar,7:,Kelsea,Ballerini,At,The,2022Shutterstock

Kelsea Ballerini shared some of her favorite self-care activities with Shape. “I used to think 'me time' was so narcissistic, but now I realize it's necessary. I have a SoulCycle bike, and I love to do that. I am a hot-bath fanatic. I have all my essential oils, and I do that pretty much every night. I can show up in a more present way when I'm taking time for myself too."

3. Shay Mooney

Shay Mooney iHeartRadio's Z100 Jingle Ball 2019 Presented By Capital One - BackstageDimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Shay Mooney is one half of the duo, Dan + Shay. He shared some secrets behind his recent weight loss on an Instagram post. "Consistency," he wrote. "I changed my entire world in 6 months. No gimmicks or fads. Just consistency."

4. Maren Morris

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Maren,Morris,Attends,The,2019,CmtShutterstock

Maren Morris is one of many country singers who train with Erin Opera. In an interview with E! News., Opera revealed that Morris loves to play tennis. “She has been playing tennis. I encourage clients to do their cardio outside of me. Sports are always the best way because when you're chasing a ball, you're not thinking about cardio.”

5. Carrie Underwood

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Carrie,Underwood,(l),And,Mike,FisherShutterstock

Carrie Underwood revealed how she stays in shape on the road to TODAY. “If I can find a treadmill at a hotel — which most most hotels have one — I can get some sort of something in. Or just free weights or bands. I usually travel with mini bands in my suitcase, because they don't take up much room, or a collapsible ab wheel that you can take apart, something that's small. Those things are just easy to have in your suitcase, and it's saved me on many occasions. If you do find yourself in a space that doesn't have the best gym or it's super crowded, I could just stay in my room and feel like I got a good workout in."

6. Keith Urban

Los,Angeles,-,Apr,18:,Keith,Urban,Arrives,For,ìtheShutterstock

Keith Urban opened up about his sobriety to Interview. "My wife put an intervention together and it was … it was divine. I mean, 'divine intervention', but it's true, it really was. It was love in action and the timing was absolutely divine."

7. Kacey Musgraves

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,March,14,,2019:,Kacey,Musgraves,At,TheShutterstock

Kacey Musgraves is a believer in balance when it comes to her diet. “It is torture sometimes trying to eat healthy on the road, but I try my best,” she said in a 2014 interview. “It’s all about balance and still letting my tastebuds enjoy themselves. If there’s a reason to celebrate or I’m somewhere that has some kind of food that I know I won’t be able to resist, then I try to eat lighter all around that. Also, I try to eliminate carbs and most processed foods.”

8. Sheryl Crow

Sheryl,Crow,Wearing,Dress,By,Michael,Ngo,Attends,American,HeartShutterstock

Sheryl Crow shared some of her favorite workouts with InStyle. “Exercise is really important to me. Whether it’s going for a jog or getting on my rowing machine, it’s a great way of burning through some of that unnecessary anxiety. I have one of the machines with water in it — it’s low-impact and core- and back-strengthening.”

9. Faith Hill

Las,Vegas,,Nv,-,April,02,,2017:,Faith,Hill,AtShutterstock

Faith Hill makes sure to eat healthy. In an interview with Self, she revealed that she eats a lot of salad. "For lunch, I usually have a Greek salad with grilled chicken. I love salads for lunch. It's light, delicious and good for you. I vary the protein and sometimes use salmon instead of chicken."

10. Thomas Rhett

Los,Angeles,-,Oct,9:,Thomas,Rhett,At,The,2018Shutterstock

Thomas Rhett shared some of his wellness tips with Taste of Country. "A lot of people want to do everything cold turkey whether you're trying to quit smoking or quit eating McDonalds. It's hard to just say, 'I'm done today.' When I was first starting out, it was like, 'This week I'm not going to eat dairy' or 'This week I'm not gonna eat bread.' All of a sudden you start sleeping better. You start waking up better. You start having more energy during the day when you don't have all those bad things in your body. Once your brain starts to get accustomed to good things going in your body it starts to reject the bad stuff."

11. Chris Young

Nashville,,Tn-nov,3:,Recording,Artist,Chris,Young,Attends,The,63rdShutterstock

Chris Young revealed his weight loss on Instagram. He opened up about the process in the caption. "Still not done, but down 60 pounds so yeah...Gonna leave this here. This year has been dedicated to a lot of work on myself. Music wise AND in the gym.”

12. Tim McGraw

Las,Vegas,,Nv,-,April,2,,2017:,Tim,Mcgraw,AtShutterstock

Tim McGraw is dedicated to staying in shape. “I don’t really get tired of training,” McGraw said to Men’s Health. “There’s such a feeling of accomplishment that comes from the feeling of being my age and still being at the top of my game. I use my whole body to sing—my legs, my butt. And having more control over those things makes my voice stronger.”

13. Reba McEntire

Nashville,,Ten,-,Oct,16:,Reba,Mcentire,Attends,The,2019Shutterstock

Reba McEntire shared how she took charge of her life after her divorce to Apple+ Fitness Time To Walk. "Everything that I was dealing with privately, personally — I had to run through God. I had to say, 'OK big boy, I can’t handle this. This is way over my pay grade — I don’t know what to do,’" she recalls. "And I would wait, and he would guide me. And so without my faith, I have no idea where I would be or my career would be at this time today."

14. Tyler Hubbard

Wantagh,,Ny,-,Jul,20:,Tyler,Hubbard,Of,Florida,GeorgiaShutterstock

Florida Georgia Line member, Tyler Hubbard, shared some of his workout secrets with Muscle and Fitness. Hubbard likes to go running to keep himself fit. “It just started with me just wanting to get out of the house,” he says. “And then it just started to evolve to where I started craving it. I just bought myself some new running shoes.”

15. Luke Bryan

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Luke,Bryan,Attends,The,2019,CmtShutterstock

Luke Bryan revealed to Men’s Journal that he loves cycling. “First off, having a family while also being on the move so much, and having to travel constantly, you want to savor every second you can. So the fact that I can walk out to my garage, get on my bike, and immediately be working out is a huge benefit—rather than having to get into my car, commute, park, and try to squeeze in a session. Next I would say I love cruising in my neighborhood. From my house going south it's just some of the best road cycling you could dream up. The roads are built on this hard Tennessee limestone—real smooth, no cracks or bumps. The hills are incredible, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. There are these great routes where you go under amazing canopy.”

16. Dierks Bentley

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Dierks Bentley talked about his diet in an interview with The Tennessean. “One of the coolest things when you get to headline and things are going well, you get your own catering. When you have that, you can be more conscious of what you’re eating. I used to pride myself on how many White Castle hamburger cartons I could have piled up on the floor board of my truck. I thought it was cool. I don’t eat White Castle anymore."

17. Joe Don Rooney

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Rascal Flatts member, Joe Don Rooney, shared his workout secrets with The Tennessean. “I do a lot of cardio. My wife Tiffany and I have been doing spin class, which is a lot of fun. I try and do as much cardio as I can, light on the weights. I don’t try and lift that much. I try to work on agility and stretch. I like yoga. It’s very relaxing."

18. Chris Lane

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Chris Lane tells The Tennessean that he loves working out with others. “It’s always good to have someone who can push you. If I’m by myself, I’ll try and find a gym and stick with similar routines that he showed me, which is more CrossFit than anything. The eating aspect is a lot of it. I have a couple of days a week that I’ll do a cheat meal. I’ll try and stick with as healthy options as possible and stay away from as much bread as possible."

19. Cassadee Pope

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Singer Cassadee Pope tells The Tennessean that she’s learned to be consistent with workouts. “Through the years, I’ve kind of figured out how to figure out how to balance work and staying fit. It’s really hard, especially being in small towns that don’t have a yoga or Pilates studio and gyms are about 30 minutes away. You can’t make excuses. If there’s no gym to go to, I’ll do some plyometric kind of stuff and jump around and get my heart rate up.”

20. Dan Smyers

Dan Smyers  2019 iHeartCountry Festival Presented By Capital One - ShowGary Miller/Getty Images

Dan Smyers is the other half of Dan + Shay. He revealed that he made a change to his diet to The Tennessean. “In the last couple of years, I switched to an all-vegetarian diet. I try to be as vegan as possible. Since I switched to that diet, I’ve had way more energy and I’m more focused. Everybody asks where you get your protein, and there’s a brand called Vega and it’s incredible and they have all plant-based protein. I’ve been hooked, the flavors of the protein powders, mocha, chocolate, I make all kinds of shakes.”

20 Amazing Bodies of American Idol Stars 
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at the 20 Amazing Bodies of American Idol Stars! From Kelly Clarkson to Keith Urban, these chart-topping artists have dazzled us on stage, and now they're sharing their secrets to looking and feeling fabulous. Discover how Katy Perry maintains her radiant skin, Luke Bryan conquers long bike rides, and Carrie Underwood keeps her body in top shape. Join us as we delve into the wellness routines, fitness tips, and self-care practices of your favorite American Idol personalities. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to lead a healthier and more vibrant life, just like these incredible stars.


1. Kelly Clarkson

Los,Angeles,-,May,9:,Kelly,Clarkson,At,The,AmericanShutterstock

Kelly Clarkson was the series’ first ever winner. She tells People that she feels beautiful when she receives compliments, and she wants to give them to others. “I really do think that, yes, it’s nice to look beautiful and it’s nice to get dolled up,” she said. “But, it’s a different kind of thing when you get a smile from someone because you’ve done something that’s touched them. And I think that my mom complimented me in the best way growing up that wasn’t about aesthetics. It was about what’s happening inside and your character.”

2. Katy Perry

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Katy Perry is one of the judges on the series’ revival. She talked about some of her skincare secrets with The Wall Street Journal. "I have my certain potions and lotions, for sure, but I actually love Kora Organics, which is a line that Orlando’s ex-wife, Miranda made. She has this turmeric moisturizer that I swear by," Perry shares. "I just incorporated it into my life in the past year...once I find products they’re staples for decades. I use that a lot, but [Orlando and I] like to do steaming, sauna, cold plunges. We really like to wake up the self. We really like to take care of our telomeres, you know what I’m saying?"

3. Luke Bryan

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Luke,Bryan,Attends,The,2019,CmtShutterstock

Luke Bryan is a judge on the series’ revival. He tells Men’s Journal that he loves to bike ride, and does a lot of long rides. “I've been doing some pretty long rides recently, going out around the house and doing 40 or 50 miles. A few of the guys I know who watch my numbers and stats came to me and said I was ready for the 100 miles. I wasn’t so sure, but I couldn’t turn it down. I also have a Trek Madone perfectly fit for me, which makes the miles easy.”

4. Carrie Underwood

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Carrie,Underwood,(l),And,Mike,FisherShutterstock

Carrie Underwood won the show’s fourth season. She works with trainer, Eve Overland, to help her stay in shape. Overland shared some of Underwood’s workouts with E! News. "Each workout incorporates both upper-body as well as lower-body exercises. Most commonly, we will work with opposing muscle groups. Day one could be upper-body push exercises, like chest presses and triceps extensions, and lower-body pull exercises, like hamstring curls and deadlifts. Day two could be upper-body pull, like lat pull-downs and biceps curls, and lower-body push, like squats and lunges."

5. Ryan Seacrest

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Ryan Seacrest has been the host of the show since the beginning. He opened up about his health and wellness secrets with People. "I'm like con-vegan, I call it conveniently vegan," he says of his diet. "So I do cheat and eat things every once a while, but I try and mostly stay plant-based and fish-based occasionally."

6. Kellie Pickler

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Kellie Pickler first competed on season 5 of the show. She shared her skincare secrets with HollywoodLife. “When I’m getting ready for a big event and want a bit of that golden glow without exposing my skin to the sun, I use Tone Fruit Peels body wash to get my skin smooth before I apply a self-tanning lotion.”

7. Jennifer Hudson

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Jennifer Hudson was a contestant on the third season of the show. She talked about her self-care secrets with Allure. “I make a point to find time to exercise. I've been finding that healing and centering. I love bike riding. It feels [good] to be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor, to be able to sit on the porch, listen to the birds, watch the kids play. I appreciate it.”

8. Katharine McPhee

Los,Angeles,-,Apr,15:,Katharine,Mcphee,At,The,9thShutterstock

Katharine McPhee was the runner-up of the show’s fifth season. In an interview with E! News, McPhee talked about her struggles with an eating disorder, and how having a baby made her more confident in her body. “What I didn't expect was to have the baby and then be so at peace with my body," she said. "I had this, wow, like this huge appreciation of what my body had just done and given me that I wish that I'd given myself a little bit more of that grace through the pregnancy."

9. Lauren Alaina

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Lauren Alaina was the runner-up of season ten. She talked about how her wellness routine has changed to The Tennessean. “My low speed is what my high speed used to be,” she said. “I went from not working out at all to working out six days a week. The most rewarding thing, it’s not looking in the mirror because that’s hard for me. The most rewarding part is that I have people asking me to help them.”

10. Randy Jackson

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Randy Jackson is one of the show’s original judges. He notably lost a lot of weight, and is the founder of Unify Health Labs. “I was able to talk with top health experts: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, biologists, and more,” he wrote in a blog post on the website. “They helped me a lot on my journey. And I wanted to share this expertise and information with as many people as possible.”

11. David Archuleta

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David Archuleta was the runner-up of the show’s seventh season. He is open about his mental health, and came out as a member of the LGBTQ community. Archuleta talked about his journey with Wondermind. “Therapy helped me so much to get to a place where I understood myself. Before that, I looked at myself through the lens of what my parents raised me on or as someone who was on American Idol when I was 16 years old. I looked at myself through the lens of the public, and I used that to define me. And I grew up as a Latter-day Saint, aka the Mormons, and I used that lens to see myself and identify myself. While all those parts are a big part of what makes me who I am now and gives me my unique perspective on life, it was limiting.”

12. Haley Reinhart

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Haley Reinhart appeared on the show’s tenth season. She talked about what she wants people to take away from her music to Forbes. “I feel like I have several callings and one of them is to be a light warrior for whoever I can reach. There's a lot of people out there who are told even to feel sadder than they have to be. Like s**t's bad enough. So I'm trying to overcome what I'm dealing with, spread love and peace however cliche it sounds. That is the bottom line message for everything that I've put out. So I'd rather focus on that; help people reach their higher selves, their higher consciousness, and just focus on that especially at the shows. When we're together, I feel that energy bouncing back and forth. It depends what kind of energy you want to put out there, but I'd rather be uplifting powerfully.”

13. Scotty McCreery

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After having his first child, season ten winner, Scotty McCreery has learned to say “no” to things. “The power of saying ‘no’ to some things is becoming a big thing for me,” he told UsWeekly. “Realizing, ‘Hey man, you’re a father now.’ I wanna be there for my kid and we’re still busy, I’m still working my tail off, but we’re not saying ‘yes’ to everything like I used to always do. I gotta have time with my kid, I gotta have time with my family. So, that has changed a lot.”

14. Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie New,Orleans,,La,United,States,-,April,30,,2022:,AmericanShutterstock

Lionel Richie is a judge on the revival series. He shared the best lessons he’s learned to Forbes. “The one I learned from most is get used to hearing no, but don't let that stop you. Half of the success stories, even in the tech world today, were people who dropped out of mainstream schools and followed their own desire to create something different. Like Steve Jobs and the Zuckerberg’s of the world. Of course, after they formed their company, they brought in great like-minds to help them formulate and put it together. But they didn't let anyone talk them out of what the dream was. They heard no and still had that stick-to-it-ness.”

15. Fantasia Barrino

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Fantasia Barrino won the third season of the show. She talked about her desire to stay healthy in an interview. “I wanted to be the person in my family to stand up and say, ‘okay we have to eat better and workout.’ I want to be around for a long time. I can’t travel like I do and not be healthy. You know how I move on stage. At any minute I could just pass out and that’s not good.”

16. Chris Daughtry

Chris Daughtry The Walking Dead Live: The Finale Event - ArrivalsTimothy Norris/Getty Images

Chris Daughtry appeared on the show’s fifth season, finishing in fourth place. He talked about his diet to Muscle and Fitness. “I have to change my eating habits,” he said. “I have to change the way I look at food. I have to change my lifestyle and not make it a ‘diet.’ And so I started trying to dial it in and then, this last year, I got really serious about it.”

17. Jennifer Lopez

LOS ANGELES - MAR 20: Jennifer Lopez at the NBCUniversal Summer Press Day at Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 20, 2017 in Beverly Hills, CAShutterstock

Jennifer Lopez appeared as a judge on six seasons of the show. Lopez is an amazing dancer, and this makes up a lot of her fitness routine. She tells HELLO! Magazine, "I am 100 percent convinced that working out is part of what makes me so happy. Dance has always been a huge part of my life and taking the time to move my body and do something that's so good for me is key to my happiness."

18. Jordin Sparks

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Jordin Sparks won season six of the show, being the youngest person to do so. She talked about her diet in an interview with People. “I wanted to try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big meals,” she says. “I like it a lot better and I don’t feel like I’m starving at any time. Just ‘grazing’ and fueling my body.”

19. Harry Connick Jr.

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Harry Connick Jr. appeared as a judge on the last four seasons of the original series, and is currently a judge on Australian Idol. In an interview with The Telegraph, he revealed that he and his wife, model Jill Goodacre, like to go on walks. “Jill loves to walk, so we take our two dogs to Irwin Park, not far from our house. Lucy, our shih-tzu, is 12, and Tuka, a rescued mixed breed, is two. Tuka basically looks like Toto from The Wizard of Oz.”

20. Keith Urban

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Keith Urban was a judge on the last five seasons of the original series. He opened up about his Vegas residency to USA Today. “Playing with the audience instead of playing at the audience is how I like to do what I do. I love the audience being engaged right out of the gate. In Vegas especially, you get a lot of different kinds of people, lots of fans and a handful of curious people who might know me from one song or from "(American) Idol” and they come to see what this guy is about. I’m not that kind of sit-there-and-watch-this performer. I love to be like, ‘We’re here, let’s go!’ I’m on my feet, you’re on your feet.”

Health

20 Southern Stars' Hot Bodies

Discover the fitness, skincare, and self-acceptance secrets of 20 Southern celebrities.

Los,Angeles,-,Nov,07:,Selena,Gomez,Arrives,For,The
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

The Southern United States has given rise to some of the most talented and influential celebrities in the entertainment world. From musicians and actors to models and athletes, these Southern stars have not only captivated us with their talents but also inspired us with their dedication to health, beauty, and self-acceptance. In this article, we'll delve into the secrets behind the amazing bodies of 20 Southern celebrities. From workout routines to skincare regimens, dietary philosophies, and personal journeys to self-acceptance, these celebrities offer valuable insights into maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle in the heart of the South. Join us as we explore their tips and tricks for looking and feeling fantastic.


1. Carrie Underwood

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Carrie,Underwood,(l),And,Mike,FisherShutterstock

Carrie Underwood was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and raised in Checotah. Her trainer, Eve Overland, shared her workout secrets with E! News. “Day one could be upper-body push exercises, like chest presses and triceps extensions, and lower-body pull exercises, like hamstring curls and deadlifts. Day two could be upper-body pull, like lat pull-downs and biceps curls, and lower-body push, like squats and lunges."

2. Maren Morris

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Maren,Morris,Attends,The,2019,CmtShutterstock

Singer Maren Morris is originally from Arlington, Texas. She has amazing skin, and her makeup artist, Kristine Studden, shared the secrets behind Morris’ Grammy look to People. "I started with True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm to cleanse away any dirt, oil, or impurities. I love how it leaves the skin clean, soft, and supple without drying."

3. Kelsea Ballerini

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Kelsea Ballerini grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. Ballerini is open about her love of the 80/20 diet. She tells The Nashville Edit, “The 80% is really, really healthy and the 20% is ‘Oops, I did it again.’ I work out pretty hard four days a week and the other days I sleep in. I drink a ton of water and drink a ton of wine. I believe in balance. The most important thing to me isn’t necessarily how I look but my ability to run the life I want. To keep up with a crazy schedule, I have to eat more salad than I care to.”

4. Kacey Musgraves

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Kacey Musgraves is originally from Golden, Texas. She has amazing hair, and shared one of her favorite products with Glamour. “I love the Oribé hair line, especially their Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil. That's my favorite. I'm also loving a good leave-in moisturizing hair mask called Goldwell Dual Senses Just Smooth.”

5. Carly Pearce

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Singer Carly Pearce is originally from Taylor Mill, Kentucky. She likes to run to keep herself in shape. Pearce shared how she got into running to Garmin.com. “I was 18, and I was working in Pigeon Forge, people know I used to work at Dollywood. I was getting ready to work at another theater and I needed to lose a little weight to fit into some of the clothes. I’d never really thought about running, I started running and fell in love. Dropped the weight but never quit. It’s become a lifestyle for me. It’s truly something I’m really passionate about. Some people think it’s weird [laughing]. I used to not be able to run to the mail box. It’s very different now.”

6. Molly Sims

Los,Angeles,-,Nov,12:,Molly,Sims,Arrives,For,Baby2babyShutterstock

Actress and model, Molly Sims, is from Murray, Kentucky. She talked about her struggles with body image, and how her children has changed it to HollywoodLife. “Having to be a size two for 20 years is never easy on the mind. I think I’ll always have some type of body dysmorphia just because of that. You know, my hands still sweat when I try things on. I don’t think that’ll ever go away. I think my mindset, now that I have kids, is just different. I use my jeans. I don’t weigh myself. I know that I’m not good with a number on a scale, but I am good with a pair of jeans or a pair of pants or a dress, to know my body and where I am.”

7. Chrishell Stause

Los,Angeles,-,Mar,21:,Chrishell,Stause,Arrives,For,'theShutterstock

Actress and Selling Sunset cast member, Chrishell Stause, was born in Draffenville, Kentucky. She shared her skincare secrets in an interview with Refinery29. “I wash my face with Dermalogica Resurfacing Cleanser and put on the Tatcha Dewy Serum and Dewy Skin Cream to moisturize. Sometimes I put on some eye patches if I'm really tired and hope it helps wake me up.”

8. Christine Quinn

Los,Angeles,-,Apr,23:,Christine,Quinn,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

Selling Sunset star, Christine Quinn, is from Dallas, Texas. After having her first child, Quinn revealed in an interview that she didn’t want to pressure herself to lose weight. “I’m definitely not putting pressure on myself. My body and my hormones will never be the same, but that’s something I really embraced and I’m kind of rolling with it.”

9. Selena Gomez

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,October,15,,2022:,Selena,Gomez,At,TheShutterstock

Selena Gomez is from Grand Prairie, Texas. In an interview with SiriusXM Hits 1 LA, she talked about embracing the single life. “I think everybody goes through the phase of, 'Oh, it'd be nice to like have someone,' and I get that," she said. "But you know, I'm just enjoying where I'm at, and I just want to be happy with who I am so that whenever that person comes into my life, I can just have them add on to me instead of being this insecure, you know, person that I normally used to be."

10. Kelly Clarkson

Los,Angeles,-,May,9:,Kelly,Clarkson,At,The,AmericanShutterstock

Kelly Clarkson is originally from Fort Worth, Texas. She revealed in an interview with People that she doesn’t feel the need to worry about her beauty routine. “I just don’t care about things I feel like people put a lot of weight and gravity in. I do thank my upbringing for that. I just, I care about things that I feel like are important. So my beauty mantra is just to be a beautiful, kind, nice and thoughtful [person].”

11. Nastia Liukin

Los,Angeles,-,Jul,18:,Nastia,Liukin,Arrives,To,TheShutterstock

Olympic gymnast, Nastia Liukin, is from Dallas. She shared her diet secrets in an interview with TODAY. "A lot of protein, a lot of vegetables, a lot of greens. I don't really eat too many carbs, and if I do, it's brown rice or quinoa. And I really love green juices. I don't necessarily do green juice cleanses for a week long, but if I'm not feeling that great, I'll just do a one or two day juice cleanse, and it will just pick me right back up."

12. Viola Davis

Los,Angeles,,Ca,Usa,-,Feb,8,2020:,Viola,DavisShutterstock

Viola Davis is from St. Matthews, South Carolina. She opened up about finding self-acceptance in an interview with RealSimple.com. “I'm a darker-hued African-American woman, so from the time I was very young, the societal idea of what I should look like—and what I didn't look like—came for me,” Davis said. “Because of that, I didn't feel like being beautiful had anything to do with me. Early on in my career, I felt that I wasn't pretty girl material, so I settled. That's just how you come to feel when you go on auditions, and the only auditions you get are certain characters. I was never the girlfriend or even the wife. I was always the best friend, maybe a mother in one or two scenes. It wasn't until I got How to Get Away With Murder that I realized I could redefine beauty for myself and love the way I look. It was then that I truly appreciated the way my skin radiates, my smile, and my abilities.”

13. Hayley Orrantia

Hollywood,,Ca,Usa,-,Apr,2,2019:,Hayley,Orrantia,ArrivesShutterstock

Actress Hayley Orrantia is from Dallas. She shared some of her skincare tips with New Beauty. “I have really dry skin, so I found a good combination in some Drunk Elephant beauty products. I mix the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum ($48) with the Protini Polypeptide Cream ($22-$68) and the day/night serum depending on the time of day and my skin loves me for it. If I’m feeling extra dry, I top it off with their Virgin Marula Oil ($38-$68). Makeup-wise, I am obsessed with the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer ($26) (Soft Silk). It feels like butter on the skin!”

14. Mark Ballas

Mark,Ballas,At,The,Launch,Celebration,For,Martell,Caractere,Cognac,Shutterstock

Dancer and singer, Mark Ballas, was born in Houston. In 2014, he revealed in an interview with SELF that he had quit smoking. “For me, it was living a cleaner lifestyle, and also because I’ve dedicated my whole life to this entertainment industry, and I don’t want to slow myself down at a young age. It’s all about my health, stamina, endurance, vocal clarity and keeping my voice in good condition.”

15. Ciara

Los,Angeles,-,Nov,12:,Ciara,Arrives,For,Baby2baby,AnnualShutterstock

Ciara was born in Fort Hood, Texas, and spent her teen years in College Park, Georgia. She talked about her diet in an interview with Shape. “When I'm on a strict eating regimen, at some point I have to have French fries, a cheeseburger, and some pizza. And Oreos and vanilla ice cream! I also believe that drinking tons of water and flushing out your system is crucial for training. It really helped me drop the weight. I tell myself that water is my medicine and that to stay well, I have to drink a gallon of it every day."

16. Danielle Brooks

Danielle,Brooks,Attends,American,Theatre,Wing,Annual,Gala,At,CiprianiShutterstock

Danielle Brooks was born in Augusta, Georgia, and grew up in South Carolina. After having her daughter, Brooks has learned to embrace the changes her body has gone through. "It's something that I've had to mentally come to grips with: that it's okay to have changed," she said to Shape. "I created an entire human being, and that should be celebrated, and my body took a beating for that. It's constantly a struggle...but I'm learning to accept the new me, and that's still a beautiful human being, and that's still a sexy human being."

17. Anna Camp

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Actress Anna Camp is from Aiken, South Carolina. She talked about her diet and exercise in an interview with People. “I’m on the run a lot in L.A. Whether I’m hiking with my dog Rocky or driving from meetings to sets, having good snacks on hand is a top priority. I always carry almonds, fruit and water with me to fight the afternoon crash.”

18. Jaimie Alexander

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Jaimie Alexander was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and also lived in Grapevine, Texas. She opened up about her diet in an interview with Shape. “My day starts with a green shake called Garden of Plenty, which is packed with superfoods and grains. When I'm working, craft services makes me these amazing gluten-free wraps with lots of vegetables and ‘vegannaisse' or hummus. I generally keep my diet pretty healthy, but if there's pizza, I'll eat it. And I will knock back a beer or some bourbon, too. I don't deprive myself. And I hate being skinny. It's not a good look for me. When I eat well and work out, I'm truly at my best."

19. Reese Witherspoon

New,York,,Ny,-,July,11,,2022:,Reese,Witherspoon,WearingShutterstock

Actress Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has amazing skin, and shared some of her secrets with Harper’s Bazaar. “As far as skin care is concerned, just really making sure I'm cleaning and washing my face twice a day, particularly on heavy-makeup days, and moisturizing and adding all the serums, because they really do make a big difference.”

20. Hunter Hayes

Nashville,,Tn-nov,3:,Recording,Artist,Hunter,Hayes,Attends,The,63rdShutterstock

Hunter Hayes is originally from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. In an interview with Wondermind, Hayes revealed that he is going to therapy, and shared what he took from them. “I really loved [therapy] the first time [around 2011] because it was a chance for me to just talk through things that I didn’t know how to talk about with other people. … I was wound so tight when I started touring. I was just like a giant stress ball, and in the first session, it was like: ‘Alright, here are things that might help you, like, chill the fuck out during your day.’ I learned] little things like when you're walking from the bus to the stage, walk slower. [And my therapist] also gave me mindfulness exercises when I felt like I couldn’t nap and breathing techniques to help me before meet and greets or interviews. So it started as that, and then I started seeing somebody else who got to some of the deeper things and scarier things and fear-based things.”

Celeb News

20 Amazing Bodies of Country Music Stars

Discover the incredible wellness routines.

Nashville,-,Jun,5:,Carrie,Underwood,(l),And,Mike,Fisher
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Jeremy Horowitz
Evidence-Based

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Step into the world of country music stars and discover the incredible bodies and wellness routines that keep them at the top of their game. From Carrie Underwood's tour diet secrets to Luke Bryan's beach biking adventures, each artist shares their unique approach to health and fitness. Miranda Lambert embraces body positivity on stage, while Tim McGraw conquers new heights of accomplishment through training. Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of 20 country music stars who not only captivate with their music but also inspire with their dedication to maintaining amazing bodies and well-being.


1. Carrie Underwood

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Carrie Underwood shared her tour diet on her Instagram stories. "I don't eat a lot of breakfast. I wouldn't eat anything if I wasn't going to work out. But I get really hungry when I work out." Underwood also says that she’s a fan of eggs. "I get eggs from my chickens every time we roll through and I put them in the fridge. I love eggs, I eat a lot of them."

2. Luke Bryan

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Luke Bryan shared some of his favorite workouts with Men’s Journal. He says that he loves to bike ride. “I love a ride at the beach. My friends at Trek sent me a beautiful fat bike, perfect for cruising through the sand. I inflate those big 'ol tires to about 5 or 10 PSI and just get down by the water. That's especially fun because you don’t have to worry about traffic, parking, and if you fall because you aren’t going to get too hurt. I like doing a little one-hour trip to the beach. Ride around, jump in the water, then an easy one-hour ride back. It doesn’t get much better than that for a day activity.”

3. Miranda Lambert

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In an interview with Health Magazine, Miranda Lambert talked about her approach to body positivity. "I don’t like being onstage worrying about my body. That’s the last thing I want to be thinking about. I don't give my best performance when I’m distracted by my insecurities.”

4. Jake Owen

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In an interview with People, Jake Owen talked about why wellness is important to him. “It’s really important to me to live a healthy life and be the best I can be. Not only for my fans who spend a lot of money to see us play, but I also have a lot of responsibly to the guys who work for me and just my daughter, most importantly. I have a lot of responsibility to her. I want to be there for her. I could be out here raging every night but it’s not worth it.”

5. Kelsea Ballerini

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Kelsea Ballerini talked about her wellness routine in an interview with Shape. "To be honest, routine always sounded boring, but now it's something that helps me feel like I'm in control of my life,” she says. “I'm baby stepping my way into it. Little things, like when you get out of bed, make the bed. Get outside for 30 minutes a day. Sit on the porch. Take the dog for a walk. I'm building that into my life, and it's not boring at all. It's really helping me feel that ownership of my life that I need.”

6. Dierks Bentley

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Dierks Bentley opened up about how he approaches eating and life on tour to People. “My whole life revolves around energy management. I have to walk on stage at 9:30 like peaking energy, which is a really weird thing because when I’m off the road, I’m usually heading towards bed at that point. It’s this crazy energy swap you have to figure out, so my eating habits aren’t really made for people who aren’t dancing around the stage like an idiot every night.”

7. Maren Morris

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Maren Morris’ trainer, Erin Opera, opened up about what the singer does to stay in shape in an interview with E! News. “She has been playing tennis. I encourage clients to do their cardio outside of me. Sports are always the best way because when you're chasing a ball, you're not thinking about cardio. She's been doing her cardio as well as lots of fun weight training. And she's been kicking ass and we've done all the exercises that made her legs pop back out post baby.”

8. Faith Hill

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Faith Hill shared some of her favorite foods in an interview with Self magazine. "I don't diet but I do watch what I eat. For lunch, I usually have a Greek salad with grilled chicken. I love salads for lunch. It's light, delicious and good for you. I vary the protein and sometimes use salmon instead of chicken."

9. Tim McGraw

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Tim McGraw notably decided to get in shape, and ended up losing 40 pounds. He talked about this in an interview with Men’s Health. “There’s such a feeling of accomplishment that comes from the feeling of being my age and still being at the top of my game. I don’t really get tired of training.”

10. Kacey Musgraves

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After her divorce, Kacey Musgraves talked about how she sings some of her old songs in an interview with Crack Magazine. “I may have to disassociate a little bit when I’m singing the Golden Hour stuff, but I do think what’s cool about it is that, yes, Golden Hour was written about someone in particular, but the magic and the feelings of that time don’t have to die with that relationship. I’ll find new meaning in those songs.”

11. Keith Urban

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In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Keith Urban talked about his struggle with addiction. “I didn’t seem able to stop. There was no stopping this time. I’d go to sleep, wake up a couple of hours later, go at it again, drinking to take the edge off. I remember thinking, ‘I’m probably not going to make it until tomorrow.’ And then I thought, ‘F––– it. I really don’t care. It’ll be a relief to not have to. I’ll take an Ambien and at some point I’ll pass.’ I was taking everything. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, good, this is the end of it, yahoo.’ I was quite happy about it.”

12. Shania Twain

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Shania Twain opened up about her diet and exercise in an interview with USA Today. "Before tour rehearsals I was riding horses and now I’m just running around a lot," Twain said. "If I feel like I’m losing too much weight, I’ll eat some more. But I need to watch it for the wardrobe because (weight) goes on fast, especially now during menopause."

13. Sam Hunt

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During the pandemic, Sam Hunt made time to stay in shape. On ABC Radio, he revealed that he played with his dog outside to stay active. “I’ve got a little bird dog puppy. I’ll get out in the yard, trying to train, so I’ll mess with him a little bit. Getting to spend some time around the house, taking it easy, but I’m hoping this thing passes sooner than later

14. Reba McEntire

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Reba McEntire makes sure to eat healthy. She shared her secrets in an interview with People. “Don’t mix your carbs and protein,” she says. “Stay off sugar. Anything white, just stay off. But not mixing carbs and proteins seemed to work really well. Instead of having potatoes and steak, just have steak and vegetables. If you’re going to have carbs, then have our carbs with vegetables.”

15. Chris Young

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Chris Young revealed to People that he’s made some changes to his diet and lifestyle. "I've been cooking my own food a lot more. I wasn't taking the time to [cook for myself]. I'm also working out a little bit more."

16. Lauren Alaina

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Lauren Alaina opened up about her body transformation and self-confidence in an interview with The Tennessean. “I’m still learning to love myself. I want to be the girl who has a positive influence on people’s lifestyle. I don’t want to be the girl who has an eating disorder and that’s why she looks the way she looks.”

17. Kenny Chesney

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Kenny Chesney opened up about changes he’s made to his life in an interview with GQ. "I wasn't feeding my body negative things. I wasn't killing myself in the gym, but working real hard when there. When I was 27, I didn't have to make those decisions. Now I do. If anything takes away from me being able to do that, it's not in my life anymore."

18. Cassadee Pope

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In 2013, Cassadee Pope opened up about her wellness routine in an interview with SELF. “If I could only do one workout, I'd...Use the Pilates Reformer machine. I've never seen such incredible results as I did when I was going to classes every week. It's harder now that I'm on the road -- I can't always find a place!”

19. LeAnn Rimes

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LeAnn Rimes shared some of her wellness secrets in an interview with Women’s Health. She says that she believes in moderation and balance when it comes to her diet. "Nourishment usually looks like high-quality, healthy, whole foods, but sometimes nourishment is the cake, the chips, the pizza, and the mac and cheese. It’s all a balance."

20. Thomas Rhett

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Thomas Rhett opened up about why he decided to work out more in an interview with Taste of Country. "That was the reason I started working out in the first place, so I could be able to do everything I wanted to do onstage and look good doing it and be able to sound good while doing it, as well.” Rhett also says that he makes sure to have a good playlist when working out. If we're doing a cardio day, it has to be all uptempo. Your 'Uptown Funks,' your 'Downtowns.' I put a couple of my songs in there, not that I listen to my music on a daily basis, but if it's on Spotify or iTunes I'll definitely listen to it. I feel like I made some of those tracks for me running on a treadmill."

Fitness

Dani Elle Speegle in Two-Piece Workout Gear is "Just a Girl and Her Barbell"

Discover how elite CrossFit athlete Dani Elle Speegle stays in peak condition with weightlifting, golfing, jumping rope, hiking, and cold plunges.

Dani Speegle, looking serious during a workout.
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Dani Elle Speegle isn’t just strong—she’s unstoppable. The elite CrossFit athlete and social media sensation has built a massive following by sharing her intense training sessions and inspiring fitness moments. Recently, she posted a series of weightlifting photos on Instagram, proving once again why she’s a powerhouse in the gym.

“Just a girl and her barbell,” she captioned the post, letting her strength do the talking. From lifting heavy to outdoor adventures, here’s how Speegle stays in peak condition.

She Lifts Weights

In her Instagram post, Speegle is seen lifting weights. According to ACE Fitness, doing this has a lot of benefits. “Using heavy weights increases intramuscular coordination, the number of type II motor units and the amount of muscle fibers engaged within a specific muscle. Have you ever felt your muscles shaking while lifting heavy weights? This is because you are recruiting and activating the larger type II muscle fibers, which are only stimulated to work when a muscle is challenged with heavy resistance or working to fatigue.”

She Golfs

Speegle likes to golf to keep herself in shape. She shared a video of herself on the course in this Instagram post. According to Randa aerobic exercise. “Golf can help strength and balance, improve quality of life and provide aerobic exercise. On a regular 18-hole course, most players will walk between four and five miles, burning up to 2,000 calories.”

She's Into Jumping Rope

Speegle shared this video on Instagram of herself competing in Crossfit events. In it, she is seen jumping rope. According to The Cleveland Clinic, jumping rope has a lot of benefits. “Benefits of jump rope can help improve your coordination, get your heart rate going and help burn calories — and it’s an easy, affordable way to get some cardio in.”

She Hikes

Speegle likes to hike to keep herself in shape. She shared this photo on Instagram of herself hiking the Koko Head Summit. Speegle captioned the post, “Woke up and chose pain today. Every 45 min X 3 rounds: Koko head 💀💀💀 Then sat in my car and stared into the abyss while munching on Banan 🥲🥲🥲”

She Does Cold Plunges

Speegle makes sure to recover. One thing she likes to do is cold plunges. Speegle shared this video of herself jumping into a tub. According to The Mayo Clinic, these have a lot of benefits. “Research on cold-water immersion has found evidence that it helps reduce the degree of exercise-induced muscle damage that can occur after physically challenging activities. Less damage leads to less inflammation, which in turn reduces soreness and helps restore physical performance the next day. These benefits may be the result of rapid constriction of the blood vessels due to the cold water. The cold can trigger responses in your body, such as decreased metabolic activity, alterations in hormone production and blood flow, and activation of the immune system.”

Fitness

Golfer Tvesa Malik in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Awesome" Exercises

Discover how Tvesa Malik, SuperSport Ladies Championship winner, stays in peak shape with weightlifting, core work, and golf.

Golfer Tvesa Malik in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Awesome" Exercises
Tvesa Malik / Instagram

Tvesa Malik isn’t just a pro golfer—she’s a powerhouse athlete dedicated to staying in peak shape. The SuperSport Ladies Championship winner knows that strength and endurance are just as important as skill on the course. That’s why she takes her fitness seriously, incorporating weightlifting, core work, and mobility exercises into her training.

Last year, Malik gave fans a look at her workout routine in an Instagram video, where she powered through hanging crunches, lunges, and weightlifting sessions. She captioned the post, “Got some major work to do before my next session,” proving that even elite athletes are always striving to improve. Here’s a closer look at how Malik keeps her body strong and ready for competition.

She Lifts Weights

Malik is seen doing a lot of weight lifting in her Instagram video. ACE Fitness says that this has a lot of benefits. “Lifting heavy weights elevates levels of anabolic hormones—specifically testosterone, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)—which are used to repair muscle fibers damaged during exercise. This helps the muscle fibers to become thicker and capable of generating higher levels of force.”

She Does Lunges

Malik is seen shifting into lunges in her Instagram video. ACE Fitness says that lunges are a form of unilateral training, and that makes them effective. “Unilateral training is a more effective way to build functional strength (than using both legs) because these types of movement mimic other everyday motions, like walking and climbing stairs — and not just to the working leg. Research suggests the strength gains to the nonworking side are about half of the strength gains of the working side.”

She Does Core Workouts

Malik is seen doing core workouts, like hanging crunches in her Instagram video. Core workouts are extremely important. The Mayo Clinic says, “While it takes aerobic activity to burn fat in your stomach, core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles. Strong core muscles make it easier to do many activities. When your core muscles are strong, it's easier to swing a golf club, get a glass from the top shelf and bend down to tie your shoes.”

She Does Pull-Ups

An upper body workout that Malik likes to do is pull-ups. She shared this video on Instagram of herself doing them at the gym. Malik captioned it, “Got some major work to do before my next session.” Asphalt Green says that pull-ups have a lot of benefits. “Pull-ups are a fantastic way to improve upper-body strength. This exercise primarily targets your back and biceps, but involves many stabilizing muscles in your core, arms, and shoulders. Depending on the way you grip the bar, you can even work your chest. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment to do a pull-up. Tree branches, scaffolding, and even door frames are all places people can do pull-ups.”

She Golfs

Golf is obviously one of the ways that Malik keeps herself in shape. Better Health says that the sport has a lot of benefits. “Golf can be good for your health and your heart. Walking an average course for a round of golf can be between five to seven kilometres. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you’ll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart. If you pull your clubs or carry them, you’ll burn even more calories each round and benefit even more.”

Fitness

Camila Guper in Two-Piece Workout Gear Cheers on "Consistent Actions"

With 1.1 million followers, she inspires with workout routines and wellness tips.

Camila Guper in Two-Piece Workout Gear Cheers on "Consistent Actions"
Camila Guper / Instagram

Camila Guper is more than just a fitness influencer—she’s a motivation powerhouse. With 1.1 million Instagram followers, she inspires her audience with workout routines, wellness tips, and a disciplined approach to staying fit. Recently, she took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her latest gym session, including a stairclimber workout, a snapshot of her Apple Watch tracking her progress, and a post-workout mirror selfie in pink workout gear.

Her message? Consistency is key. “Don't underestimate the power of small, consistent actions! Every effort is worth it when you know where you want to go,” she captioned the post. From intense stair workouts to leg-sculpting exercises, here’s how Guper stays in top shape.

She Uses A Stairclimber

In her Instagram post, Guper is seen using the stairclimber. Stair workouts have a lot of health benefits. ACE Fitness says, “Improving metabolic health in terms of lower risks of heart problems and other complications, also by definition improves fitness. You can feel your heart working harder and the fire in your lungs when you ascend stairs. And that’s provoking important changes in your cardiorespiratory system that will make physical activities, like running and walking, feel easier.”

She’s Consistent

Guper makes sure to stay consistent with her workout routines. One way she does so is by staying disciplined. Guper talked about this in the caption of this Instagram post. “Good morning! May we always have the discipline to do what is good for us. Amen 💪🏽🙏🏽✨ 40 min stair + shoulder and chest workout today.”

She Does Lunges

Guper shared some of her favorite lower body workouts in this Instagram video. One thing she is seen doing is lunges. According to The Mayo Clinic, lunges have a lot of benefits. “The lunge is a body resistance exercise that works the leg muscles. Specifically, the lunge targets the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles in the thigh, the gluteal muscles in the buttock, and to a lesser extent, the lower leg muscles.”

She Does Leg Extensions

In the previous Instagram video, Guper is seen using the leg extension machine. Asphalt Green says that leg extensions have a lot of benefits. “These machines provide isolation exercises for your legs. This type of exercise works only one muscle or group of muscles, which means you can build up that part of your body quickly. If you want your thigh muscles to really stand out in those shorts you just bought, the leg extension machine is for you!”

She Spends Time Outside

Guper likes to spend time outside. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself enjoying a day by the pool with her dog. Guper captioned the post, “Good Morning! What book are you reading? 📖💚🐺🌮 I'm loving reading How to become super natural! I'm already sharing saying it's a must-read.”