Best female vocals on CD

I just bought Cheryl Bentyne;Let me off Uptown,,,WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I cant stop playing this,great music and recording

I have read most of the thread and will only nominate names that appear infrequently.
Stacey Kent
Kari Bremnes(Norwegian folk singer)
Kate Rusby(English Folk singer)
Sara K
Eliza Gilkyson
Sarah Massen (particularly, Dreamlife of Angels)
Lori Mckenna
Rosie Thomas
Shawn Colvin

Opera:
Maria Callas of course, best choice Tosca
Vittoria De Losangeles Beechams version of La Boheme, one of the great opera recordings, her entrance in Act 1, is sublime
Elizabeth Sharzkopf, Strauss Der Rosenkavalier, another of the great opera recordings of all time
Janet Baker, In anything, burt Cavali's "Callisto" is a good start

Anita O`Day and the most influential female singer outside of the western world Om kalsoum.

Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance. Not sure if she's been mentioned but I would highly recommend a listen. CD's worth mention are Dead Can Dance "Towards The Within" & "Spiritchaser".

In no particular order ... I enjoy at various moments Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Rhatigan, Tanita Tikaram, Deanna Kirk, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Kris McKay, Holly Cole ...