Country music icon Shania Twain used her acceptance speech for the Equal Play Award at Sunday's CMT Awards to advocate for greater diversity and equity in the genre.
In a powerful address, Twain reflected on how one of her most iconic songs, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", has become an empowering anthem for people around the world. The phrase, she said, has been "adopted by an array of fantastic communities" and has become a symbol of empowerment that brings her immense joy.
Twain believes in an all-inclusive country music scene, where artists from diverse backgrounds come together as "family". She argues that the current industry standard is doing a disservice to this rich history and legacy, which nurtured her own songwriting and performance career since childhood.
During her acceptance speech, Twain highlighted several talented artists she will be showcasing on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others. She emphasized the importance of equal play for all artists, regardless of gender, age, or race.
Twain also took a moment to acknowledge the African American singing group, The BoykinZ, who were presenting an award onstage with her. She had previously connected with the group after being surprised by Kelly Clarkson on her daytime talk show. The two women shared a powerful performance together, highlighting Twain's commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity in country music.
By using her platform to speak out against inequality, Shania Twain is continuing to trailblaze for other artists and inspire change within the country music industry.
In a powerful address, Twain reflected on how one of her most iconic songs, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", has become an empowering anthem for people around the world. The phrase, she said, has been "adopted by an array of fantastic communities" and has become a symbol of empowerment that brings her immense joy.
Twain believes in an all-inclusive country music scene, where artists from diverse backgrounds come together as "family". She argues that the current industry standard is doing a disservice to this rich history and legacy, which nurtured her own songwriting and performance career since childhood.
During her acceptance speech, Twain highlighted several talented artists she will be showcasing on her upcoming "Queen of Me" tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and others. She emphasized the importance of equal play for all artists, regardless of gender, age, or race.
Twain also took a moment to acknowledge the African American singing group, The BoykinZ, who were presenting an award onstage with her. She had previously connected with the group after being surprised by Kelly Clarkson on her daytime talk show. The two women shared a powerful performance together, highlighting Twain's commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity in country music.
By using her platform to speak out against inequality, Shania Twain is continuing to trailblaze for other artists and inspire change within the country music industry.
just saw Shania Twain speak about how we need more diversity in country music! like I'm all about that girl 
her "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" song is literally an anthem for me too 
I'm so down with Shania Twain's message about getting more diverse artists on stage 
! It's crazy how one song can be taken up by different communities, you feel? 
And honestly, I think it's time for the industry to step up and show some love to these underrepresented voices. Like, we've got amazing women like Lily Rose and Mickey Guyton killing the game right now 
. I'm loving how Twain is using her platform to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity - it's about time! 
. I mean, who says country has to be all white and middle-aged? 
The genre has always been about storytelling and heart, not just about a specific demographic. Shania's got a point, it's time for the industry to reflect that in their booking choices.
. And kudos to Shania for using her platform to uplift other women and marginalized communities 
. She's not just a legend, she's a leader too 
. Can't wait to see what this "Queen of Me" tour brings! 
. Country music can be super exclusive, but Shania Twain is trying to flip that script. She wants everyone - from all walks of life - to come together as "family". And honestly? I think we could all learn from her example. We'd do well to remember that our voices matter, no matter how big or small we feel 
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! It's about time we see more faces from different backgrounds on stage and behind the mic. I love that Shania Twain is using her platform to advocate for equal play and celebrate our differences 
Shania's vision of an all-inclusive country music scene is exactly what we need more of - let's make it happen 
her "Queen of Me" tour already has a dope lineup of artists like Lily Rose and Hailey Whitters, but let's be real, there should be many more 
what I'd love to see is more opportunities for up-and-coming artists from different backgrounds to shine 
it's time for the industry to step up their game and create a more equitable space for everyone 
. Shania Twain is a true icon and I'm glad she's still using her platform to promote unity and inclusivity 
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I'm so proud of Shania Twain for speaking up about this important issue 
. It's time we break down those barriers and create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to share their stories and music 
Can't wait to see more trailblazers like Shania Twain paving the way for others