Country Music's Diverse Awakening: Shania Twain Calls for Equity and Inclusion
In a powerful acceptance speech at the CMT Awards, country music legend Shania Twain used her iconic phrase "Man I feel like a woman" to emphasize the importance of equality and diversity in the genre. The legendary star, who was awarded the Equal Play Award, acknowledged that when she wrote those words two decades ago, she had no idea it would become an anthem for a generation.
Twain's speech came as a call to action, urging the country music industry to do better by promoting inclusivity and equity for all artists. "We're family," she said, highlighting the rich history of country music that has nurtured her own career from childhood. However, Twain noted that the current industry standard falls short, doing a disservice to aspiring female and minority artists.
Twain used her acceptance speech as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on talented acts she will be featuring on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour. These include country singer-songwriter Lily Rose, singer Lindsay Ell, comedian Hailey Whitters, and country-pop star Mickey Guyton, among others. By sharing the stage with these artists, Twain is committed to promoting diversity and giving equal play to underrepresented voices.
The BoykinZ, an African American singing group consisting of sisters, also caught Twain's attention during her performance at the CMT Awards. The group was brought together by Kelly Clarkson after she surprised them on her daytime talk show. Twain connected with the group backstage, solidifying her support for emerging talent from underrepresented communities.
Twain's advocacy for a more inclusive country music industry is timely and necessary. As an iconic artist who has long broken down barriers in the genre, Twain's voice carries significant weight. By using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and call out inequality, she is paving the way for future generations of artists from diverse backgrounds.
"I believe in an all-inclusive country music," Twain said, reiterating her commitment to equality and diversity. "I will continue to do my best as a trailblazer." As Twain looks to the future, it's clear that the music industry is on the cusp of a significant shift β one that will prioritize inclusivity, equity, and creativity for all artists.
In a powerful acceptance speech at the CMT Awards, country music legend Shania Twain used her iconic phrase "Man I feel like a woman" to emphasize the importance of equality and diversity in the genre. The legendary star, who was awarded the Equal Play Award, acknowledged that when she wrote those words two decades ago, she had no idea it would become an anthem for a generation.
Twain's speech came as a call to action, urging the country music industry to do better by promoting inclusivity and equity for all artists. "We're family," she said, highlighting the rich history of country music that has nurtured her own career from childhood. However, Twain noted that the current industry standard falls short, doing a disservice to aspiring female and minority artists.
Twain used her acceptance speech as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on talented acts she will be featuring on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour. These include country singer-songwriter Lily Rose, singer Lindsay Ell, comedian Hailey Whitters, and country-pop star Mickey Guyton, among others. By sharing the stage with these artists, Twain is committed to promoting diversity and giving equal play to underrepresented voices.
The BoykinZ, an African American singing group consisting of sisters, also caught Twain's attention during her performance at the CMT Awards. The group was brought together by Kelly Clarkson after she surprised them on her daytime talk show. Twain connected with the group backstage, solidifying her support for emerging talent from underrepresented communities.
Twain's advocacy for a more inclusive country music industry is timely and necessary. As an iconic artist who has long broken down barriers in the genre, Twain's voice carries significant weight. By using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and call out inequality, she is paving the way for future generations of artists from diverse backgrounds.
"I believe in an all-inclusive country music," Twain said, reiterating her commitment to equality and diversity. "I will continue to do my best as a trailblazer." As Twain looks to the future, it's clear that the music industry is on the cusp of a significant shift β one that will prioritize inclusivity, equity, and creativity for all artists.