Country Music's Lack of Diversity Hits Close to Home for Shania Twain
Shania Twain, a legendary figure in the genre, has made it clear that she won't stand idly by as country music continues to struggle with diversity and inclusion issues. The singer-songwriter used her acceptance speech at the recent CMT Awards to champion equal play and greater representation of underrepresented voices.
For Twain, the issue is personal. Reflecting on the impact of one of her biggest hits, "Man I Feel Like a Woman," she noted that the phrase has taken on a life of its own, empowering countless people across the globe. However, this unexpected phenomenon also serves as a stark reminder of how far country music still has to go in terms of inclusivity.
"I believe in an all-inclusive country music β we're family," Twain declared. "The industry standard does a real disservice to this rich history that nurtured my own songwriting and performance career from childhood." Her comments highlight the need for greater diversity in the genre, both on stage and behind the scenes.
As part of her efforts to drive change, Twain has announced plans to feature a diverse range of artists on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour. This includes talented acts like Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others who are pushing the boundaries of what country music can be.
Twain's commitment to equality extends beyond her own career. She has vowed to continue fighting for fair representation in the industry, stating that "all our fellow artists get equal play regardless of gender, age or race." Her actions serve as a powerful reminder that even those who have achieved success can use their platforms to make a difference.
The singer's willingness to connect with other artists and advocate for inclusivity has been particularly notable. During her acceptance speech, she performed an acoustic rendition with the African American singing group The BoykinZ, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and unity in music.
With Twain leading the charge, country music may finally begin to shift towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Shania Twain, a legendary figure in the genre, has made it clear that she won't stand idly by as country music continues to struggle with diversity and inclusion issues. The singer-songwriter used her acceptance speech at the recent CMT Awards to champion equal play and greater representation of underrepresented voices.
For Twain, the issue is personal. Reflecting on the impact of one of her biggest hits, "Man I Feel Like a Woman," she noted that the phrase has taken on a life of its own, empowering countless people across the globe. However, this unexpected phenomenon also serves as a stark reminder of how far country music still has to go in terms of inclusivity.
"I believe in an all-inclusive country music β we're family," Twain declared. "The industry standard does a real disservice to this rich history that nurtured my own songwriting and performance career from childhood." Her comments highlight the need for greater diversity in the genre, both on stage and behind the scenes.
As part of her efforts to drive change, Twain has announced plans to feature a diverse range of artists on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour. This includes talented acts like Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others who are pushing the boundaries of what country music can be.
Twain's commitment to equality extends beyond her own career. She has vowed to continue fighting for fair representation in the industry, stating that "all our fellow artists get equal play regardless of gender, age or race." Her actions serve as a powerful reminder that even those who have achieved success can use their platforms to make a difference.
The singer's willingness to connect with other artists and advocate for inclusivity has been particularly notable. During her acceptance speech, she performed an acoustic rendition with the African American singing group The BoykinZ, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and unity in music.
With Twain leading the charge, country music may finally begin to shift towards a more inclusive and equitable future.