Country music legend Shania Twain is calling for greater equality and diversity in the genre she helped shape with her chart-topping hits. The legendary singer-songwriter accepted the Equal Play Award at Sunday's CMT Awards, using her platform to emphasize the need for more representation and opportunities for artists of all backgrounds.
Twain cited one of her biggest anthems, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", as an inspiration for her advocacy. "I honestly had no idea it would become an undercurrent of my decades-long career," she said in her acceptance speech. The phrase has resonated with fans worldwide and empowered countless communities, according to Twain.
She believes that country music should be an inclusive genre, one that welcomes artists from all walks of life. "We're family," Twain said. "This is a genre that raised me, nurtured my songwriting and performance career since childhood." However, the industry standard, she argued, does a disservice to this rich heritage by failing to provide equal opportunities for all.
Twain highlighted several diverse artists on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others. These acts will benefit from Twain's platform and support, as she continues to advocate for greater representation in the music industry.
The singer also showcased her connection with African American singing group The BoykinZ during her speech, performing an a cappella segment with the sisters. Their meeting was facilitated by Kelly Clarkson, who brought Twain together with the rising country stars on her daytime talk show.
Twain is clear about her commitment to creating a more inclusive country music landscape. "I will continue to do my best as a trailblazer," she said. "Together, let's ensure all our fellow artists get equal play regardless of gender, age or race."
Twain cited one of her biggest anthems, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", as an inspiration for her advocacy. "I honestly had no idea it would become an undercurrent of my decades-long career," she said in her acceptance speech. The phrase has resonated with fans worldwide and empowered countless communities, according to Twain.
She believes that country music should be an inclusive genre, one that welcomes artists from all walks of life. "We're family," Twain said. "This is a genre that raised me, nurtured my songwriting and performance career since childhood." However, the industry standard, she argued, does a disservice to this rich heritage by failing to provide equal opportunities for all.
Twain highlighted several diverse artists on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others. These acts will benefit from Twain's platform and support, as she continues to advocate for greater representation in the music industry.
The singer also showcased her connection with African American singing group The BoykinZ during her speech, performing an a cappella segment with the sisters. Their meeting was facilitated by Kelly Clarkson, who brought Twain together with the rising country stars on her daytime talk show.
Twain is clear about her commitment to creating a more inclusive country music landscape. "I will continue to do my best as a trailblazer," she said. "Together, let's ensure all our fellow artists get equal play regardless of gender, age or race."
Shania Twain's message is so needed! I mean, she's not just talking about herself, she's putting her platform to use for others 
. The fact that she's performing with diverse acts on her tour and speaking out about equal opportunities in the industry is a big deal. It's like, we've been stuck in this country music bubble for too long, thinking it's all about cowboy hats and trucks 
, but it's time to break free from those stereotypes.
. We need more women, people of color, and artists from different backgrounds in this genre. It's time to make room for everyone and celebrate our differences 
.
. She's showing them that they can use their platform to make a difference and be part of something bigger than themselves. So, yeah, I'm totally on board with Shania Twain's vision for a more inclusive country music scene 
!
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" 
- Nelson Mandela 
I'm not sure how empowering it is for Shania Twain to be promoting equality and diversity in country music when her entire career has been built on the back of stereotypes like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!". Is she really trying to dismantle that trope or just use it as fuel to stir up controversy? 
! Twain is using her influence to bring people together and create opportunities for those who might not otherwise get them. We should totally be supporting her efforts 
.
. I love that she's not afraid to use her influence for good and is using her tour as an opportunity to bring people together. Let's be real, country music needs more of this kind of love and acceptance 
.
We can't just expect every artist to be a carbon copy of each other, that's not how creativity works, you know? 
. On the other hand, maybe more diversity will bring in new sounds and styles that'll make country music even cooler 
... or maybe it'll just be a mess 
? Ugh, my mind is all over the place 
!
seeing them share the stage with Shania!