Country Music's Lack of Diversity a Problem, Says Shania Twain: "We're Family"
Shania Twain, the legendary country music star, is using her platform to address a pressing issue in the genre: the lack of diversity and equity for women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups. In her acceptance speech for the Equal Play Award at Sunday's CMT Awards, Twain called for more inclusion and representation in country music.
Twain cited one of her biggest hits, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", as an example of how language can be empowering. She noted that this phrase has been adopted by diverse communities around the world and has become a powerful symbol of female empowerment. However, Twain also acknowledged that the industry standard in country music often does a disservice to this message.
Twain expressed her desire for a more inclusive country music scene, stating "We're family." She highlighted several diverse acts on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, and Mickey Guyton. By showcasing these talented artists, Twain aims to promote greater equity and representation in the industry.
The Country Music Association has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity in recent years. Twain's call for change is a welcome gesture, especially given her own trailblazing career in country music. The 44-year-old singer-songwriter has been an inspiration to many young artists, and her advocacy will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the genre.
Twain's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion extends beyond her performances. She also performed acappella with African American singing group, The BoykinZ, while presenting an award onstage. This moment was a testament to Twain's willingness to connect with artists from different backgrounds and support those who are breaking down barriers in the industry.
In conclusion, Shania Twain is using her platform to address the issue of diversity and equity in country music. Her call for change is a timely reminder that the genre must adapt to reflect the changing times. As Twain so eloquently put it, "We're family."
Shania Twain, the legendary country music star, is using her platform to address a pressing issue in the genre: the lack of diversity and equity for women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups. In her acceptance speech for the Equal Play Award at Sunday's CMT Awards, Twain called for more inclusion and representation in country music.
Twain cited one of her biggest hits, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", as an example of how language can be empowering. She noted that this phrase has been adopted by diverse communities around the world and has become a powerful symbol of female empowerment. However, Twain also acknowledged that the industry standard in country music often does a disservice to this message.
Twain expressed her desire for a more inclusive country music scene, stating "We're family." She highlighted several diverse acts on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, and Mickey Guyton. By showcasing these talented artists, Twain aims to promote greater equity and representation in the industry.
The Country Music Association has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity in recent years. Twain's call for change is a welcome gesture, especially given her own trailblazing career in country music. The 44-year-old singer-songwriter has been an inspiration to many young artists, and her advocacy will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the genre.
Twain's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion extends beyond her performances. She also performed acappella with African American singing group, The BoykinZ, while presenting an award onstage. This moment was a testament to Twain's willingness to connect with artists from different backgrounds and support those who are breaking down barriers in the industry.
In conclusion, Shania Twain is using her platform to address the issue of diversity and equity in country music. Her call for change is a timely reminder that the genre must adapt to reflect the changing times. As Twain so eloquently put it, "We're family."