Country music icon Shania Twain used her acceptance speech at the CMT Awards to champion a more inclusive industry, calling for equal play and diversity among artists. Her remarks, which came as she received the Equal Play Award, highlighted the importance of representation in country music.
Twain referenced one of her most iconic songs, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", saying it had become an empowering anthem for many communities around the world. However, she noted that its impact was not always intentional and rather a result of her own influence.
The legendary singer emphasized the need for an all-inclusive country music industry, stating, "We're family." She argued that the current state of affairs does a disservice to the genre's rich history and her own career, which was shaped by it from a young age.
In her speech, Twain also shone a spotlight on several emerging artists she is featuring on her "Queen of Me" tour. These acts include Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others, showcasing the diversity of talent in country music.
Twain vowed to continue breaking down barriers as a trailblazer, advocating for equal play regardless of an artist's gender, age, or race. Her message was further reinforced by her performance with African American singing group The BoykinZ, who are rising stars in their own right.
As Twain concluded her remarks, she urged the industry to come together and celebrate its diversity, ensuring that all artists receive fair representation. With her powerful voice and commitment to change, Shania Twain is driving a new era of inclusivity in country music.
Twain referenced one of her most iconic songs, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", saying it had become an empowering anthem for many communities around the world. However, she noted that its impact was not always intentional and rather a result of her own influence.
The legendary singer emphasized the need for an all-inclusive country music industry, stating, "We're family." She argued that the current state of affairs does a disservice to the genre's rich history and her own career, which was shaped by it from a young age.
In her speech, Twain also shone a spotlight on several emerging artists she is featuring on her "Queen of Me" tour. These acts include Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others, showcasing the diversity of talent in country music.
Twain vowed to continue breaking down barriers as a trailblazer, advocating for equal play regardless of an artist's gender, age, or race. Her message was further reinforced by her performance with African American singing group The BoykinZ, who are rising stars in their own right.
As Twain concluded her remarks, she urged the industry to come together and celebrate its diversity, ensuring that all artists receive fair representation. With her powerful voice and commitment to change, Shania Twain is driving a new era of inclusivity in country music.