Shania Twain Calls for More Inclusivity in Country Music Industry
At Sunday's CMT Awards, legendary country star Shania Twain used her acceptance of the Equal Play Award to highlight a pressing issue within the genre: lack of diversity and equity. The iconic singer-songwriter emphasized the importance of inclusivity, urging the music industry to adopt an all-inclusive model that celebrates and uplifts artists from diverse backgrounds.
Twain's remarks were a nod to her own journey in country music, which she acknowledged was not always welcoming to women. She recalled writing her hit song "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," which has become an empowering anthem for many. The phrase, Twain noted, has taken on a life of its own, inspiring countless communities around the world and fueling her own sense of purpose.
"I believe in an all-inclusive country music," Twain declared. "We're family." She lamented that the industry standard is woefully inadequate, failing to recognize the rich history and contributions of women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups.
Twain's advocacy extends beyond her own career. Her "Queen of Me" tour this year features a diverse lineup of artists, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others. She also highlighted the work of rising country stars The BoykinZ, an African American singing group she connected with after meeting them on Kelly Clarkson's daytime talk show.
Twain vowed to continue pushing for change in the music industry, advocating for equal play regardless of gender, age, or race. As a trailblazer, she sees herself as part of a larger movement toward greater inclusivity and representation. "Together," she said, "let's ensure all our fellow artists get the recognition they deserve."
At Sunday's CMT Awards, legendary country star Shania Twain used her acceptance of the Equal Play Award to highlight a pressing issue within the genre: lack of diversity and equity. The iconic singer-songwriter emphasized the importance of inclusivity, urging the music industry to adopt an all-inclusive model that celebrates and uplifts artists from diverse backgrounds.
Twain's remarks were a nod to her own journey in country music, which she acknowledged was not always welcoming to women. She recalled writing her hit song "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," which has become an empowering anthem for many. The phrase, Twain noted, has taken on a life of its own, inspiring countless communities around the world and fueling her own sense of purpose.
"I believe in an all-inclusive country music," Twain declared. "We're family." She lamented that the industry standard is woefully inadequate, failing to recognize the rich history and contributions of women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups.
Twain's advocacy extends beyond her own career. Her "Queen of Me" tour this year features a diverse lineup of artists, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others. She also highlighted the work of rising country stars The BoykinZ, an African American singing group she connected with after meeting them on Kelly Clarkson's daytime talk show.
Twain vowed to continue pushing for change in the music industry, advocating for equal play regardless of gender, age, or race. As a trailblazer, she sees herself as part of a larger movement toward greater inclusivity and representation. "Together," she said, "let's ensure all our fellow artists get the recognition they deserve."
! It's about time country music steps up its game and becomes more inclusive. I mean, we've seen it in other industries like pop and rock, but not as much in country 
. Twain is a total legend for speaking out and using her platform to bring about change. Her "Queen of Me" tour lineup sounds amazing - so stoked to see more diverse artists getting recognition 
! And I love how she's pushing for equal play regardless of anything, it's all about fairness and equality 
. Can't wait to see what other trailblazers come along and make some noise 
! It's so about time someone in country music speaks out about the lack of diversity and equity. I mean, can you imagine if more artists looked like us? 
We'd be seeing way more people on stages and in videos that don't look like they're straight out of a Southern Gothic novel 
.
And it's so cool that she connected with The BoykinZ on Kelly Clarkson's show. That's what I'm talking about - grassroots support for underrepresented artists.
. Let's get behind her and demand equal play for all! 
its like she gets it right? I mean I know country music is still super white but thats changing slowly and Im loving it 
does anyone know more about The BoykinZ tho?
... think about it, country music is supposed to be all about storytelling and reflection, but what about those stories that aren't always being told? the ones from people who don't fit into the traditional mold of country music? it's not just about diversity, it's about making space for new perspectives and experiences. Twain's right, we're family, so why are some folks still getting left behind? 
Shania Twain is literally giving me LIFE right now! I'm so inspired by her courage to speak up about the lack of diversity in country music. It's like, we've been waiting for someone to acknowledge that this industry has been, and still kinda is, super exclusive 
But seriously, it's amazing to see her using her platform to uplift other artists from diverse backgrounds - like those talented individuals she mentioned on stage 
I think its about time for country music to evolve with the times 
. The industry has always been male-dominated, but Shania Twain's call for inclusivity is a step in the right direction 
. It's interesting that she mentions her own experience as a woman in country music, it's clear she's not just speaking from a place of privilege, but also from a sense of understanding and empathy 
. By featuring diverse artists on her tour, Twain is showing that inclusivity can be both commercially viable and artistically fulfilling 
. It's all about the women behind the scenes who keep it running smoothly - producers, songwriters, etc. But hey, when Shania brings the girls out on stage 
!
. And it's not just about the music industry, it's about society as a whole.
. We need more of this kind of support and promotion. And let's not forget, inclusivity is not just a moral issue, it's also an economic one 
. When we include everyone in the conversation, we create a more diverse and vibrant industry that benefits everyone.
it's like, we're all human, we all feel things, we all got stories to tell. shania twain is right on point with this "we're family" vibe 
need more artists breakin' down those barriers and showin' the industry what they're made of 
! Can't even enjoy the music without being hit over the head with a lecture about diversity and inclusivity. Don't get me wrong, Shania Twain is a total legend, but seriously, can't they just stick to accepting awards for their actual talent? 
It's like everyone's a "trailblazer" now... meanwhile, I'm just trying to find some decent new country music that doesn't sound like it was written by a 12-year-old boy 
.
I'd love to see more than just token acts from underrepresented groups on the bill tho 
. Twain's advocating for equal play, which I think is a game-changer. It's time for the industry to recognize that talent comes in all shapes and sizes