Shania Twain calls for equal play and more diversity in country music | CNN

Country Music's Long-Overdue Evolution: Shania Twain Calls for Equal Play and Diversity

Shania Twain, the music legend who has been a driving force in country music for decades, is using her platform to push for much-needed change. At the recent CMT Awards, where she was presented with the prestigious Equal Play Award, Twain took to the stage to deliver a powerful message.

The Canadian singer-songwriter, who rose to fame with hits like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", acknowledged that her early success came from a place of privilege and ignorance. However, over time, she realized that her music had the power to inspire and empower countless people around the world.

"Who would have thought that one statement could become an undercurrent of a decades-long career?" Twain mused during her acceptance speech. "It's amazing how one phrase can become a rallying cry for so many." The phrase in question, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", has become an anthem for women everywhere and has been adopted by diverse communities worldwide.

Twain is now calling on the country music industry to be more inclusive and representative of its growing audience. She believes that country music should be an all-inclusive genre that celebrates diversity and promotes equality among artists of all backgrounds.

"I'm talking about equal play, regardless of gender, age or race," Twain declared, as she highlighted her own "Queen of Me" tour lineup, which features a diverse range of talented women like Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and more.

Twain's message was reinforced by her recent collaboration with The BoykinZ, an African American singing group who are making waves in country music. Twain connected with the sisters after Kelly Clarkson surprised them by bringing Twain out to meet them during an episode of Clarkson's daytime talk show.

The Equal Play Award, which Twain received at the CMT Awards, is a long-overdue recognition of her tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in country music. Her advocacy has sparked a much-needed conversation about the genre's lack of representation and the need for change.

As Twain said during her acceptance speech, "We're family." It's time for country music to come together and celebrate its diversity – not just tolerate it. With Twain leading the charge, the future of country music looks brighter than ever.

I mean, can we talk about how long this has been overdue?! Like, Shania Twain is basically saying we've been ignoring the elephant in the room for way too long. It's time for country music to get with the times and stop being so exclusive . Twain's got a point, though - her music may have started off with some privileged vibes, but she's made it a mission to create a space where women of all backgrounds can shine . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good "Queen of Me" tour lineup? It's time for the industry to step up and recognize that diversity is what's going to make country music truly great . We're literally at the gatecrasher moment here!

Shania Twain is a total boss for speakin' up about equal play in country music I mean, she's been makin' hits for decades and still killin' it - it's time for more artists like her to take the stage And y'all know what? I'm so glad she brought up those talented women on her "Queen of Me" tour lineup It's about dang time we saw some diversity in country music Can't wait to see what other changes come from this movement

I'm so down with Shania's vibe on this one! She's all about spreading love and acceptance through her music . It's about time country music got a little more inclusive and diverse . We need more women like Shania, who aren't afraid to speak up and make some noise . I'm so proud of her for using her platform to bring people together ️. It's all about equality and representation - let's get that change happening ASAP !

I'm so down with Shania Twain's call for equal play in country music ! I mean, who wouldn't want to see more diverse artists on the charts and in our faces? It's been too long since we've seen a shift towards inclusivity, especially after all those years of just "cowboy" stereotypes . Now that Twain's leading the charge, I'm rooting for her to bring some serious change to the industry!

I'm loving this evolution in country music, Shania Twain is totally on point ! She's right, it's time for them to get with the times and make room for new talent, especially women and artists from underrepresented groups. It's about time we see more diversity on those award shows and radio playlists too . I mean, can you imagine if more country artists looked like us? The music would be so much more interesting and relatable to a broader audience! Let's get that change happening, Shania Twain is leading the way .

I'm so hyped about Shania Twain's message ! Like, she's totally owning this moment and using her platform to create real change . I mean, can you imagine if more artists were like her - speaking up for diversity and inclusion? It would be a total game changer . And I love that she's highlighting these talented women on her tour lineup - it's so refreshing to see female faces in country music . The BoykinZ collab is also giving me all the feels , they're killing it and breaking barriers. It's time for country music to come together and celebrate its diversity, not just pretend like everything is okay . Shania Twain is literally the Queen of Me (and I'm here for it) !

I'm so glad Shania Twain is finally speaking up about this . I mean, can you believe how long country music has been dominated by one specific group of people? It's time for a change!

I remember when I was a kid and my grandma would play Shania Twain's albums on repeat and I'd just sing along to "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" thinking it was the coolest song ever . But looking back, I realize that her music wasn't exactly representative of my life as a young brown girl growing up in this country .

Fast forward to today, and I'm loving the fact that Shania is now using her platform to push for equal play and diversity in country music . It's about time! The CMT Awards' Equal Play Award was well overdue, imo .

And can we talk about how amazing it is that she's featuring women of color on her tour lineup? I mean, Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters... the list goes on . It's all about representation and giving a voice to people who've been marginalized for far too long .

Let's give Shania Twain a huge round of applause for being a true trailblazer in country music!

I think it's super cool that Shania Twain is using her platform to bring about change in country music . I mean, she's been a legend for years and now she's taking on the next step by speaking up about equality and diversity . It's awesome that she's highlighting talented women from all backgrounds, like Lily Rose and Hailey Whitters – they deserve more recognition! The fact that Twain is working with The BoykinZ to promote unity is also a great sign of progress . What's even more amazing is how her message has already sparked a conversation about the need for change in country music . We should all be supporting artists like Shania who are breaking barriers and pushing for inclusivity .

I gotta say , Shania Twain's speech at the CMT Awards was pretty fire ! I mean, it's about time someone in the country music industry spoke up about the lack of diversity and equal play. It's not just about giving a platform to more artists from different backgrounds, it's also about acknowledging the historical privilege that some of these artists have enjoyed. Like Twain said, it's all about "equal play, regardless of gender, age or race" .

But what really got me thinking is how this conversation can be applied beyond country music. I mean, think about it - if a country music legend like Shania Twain can say that her genre needs to evolve and become more inclusive, then shouldn't we be applying the same logic to other industries too? It's all about equality, representation, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table .

And let's not forget about the impact this conversation can have on young artists who are just starting out. Seeing someone like Shania Twain pushing for change and advocacy sends a strong message that their voices matter too . So yeah, I'm all for more equal play in country music - and beyond!

The country music scene is finally starting to evolve ! Shania Twain's powerful message about equal play and diversity has got me hyped . It's time for those legendary stages to be shared among all artists, regardless of their background . I love how she's using her platform to amplify the talents of women and underrepresented groups – it's about damn time ! The CMT Awards' Equal Play Award is just the beginning; let's hope this momentum keeps rolling forward and we see more inclusive lineups in the future . Country music can't be all about nostalgia if it wants to stay relevant . Long live Shania Twain, the Queen of Me !

I think Shania Twain is totally right ! Country music needs a major shake-up, you know? Like, we've been stuck in this bubble for ages and it's time to let new artists from different backgrounds shine through . I mean, have you seen the lineup for her "Queen of Me" tour? So many talented women with unique styles ! It's all about representation and equal play, and Twain is leading the charge . Can't wait to see more collaborations like this one ... and who knows, maybe we'll even get some fresh new sounds in country music soon !

omg i'm so down with shania twain right now!!! she's literally killing the game with her advocacy for equal play and diversity in country music. like, who wouldn't want to see more diverse voices and faces on stage and behind the mic? it's time for country music to evolve and become more inclusive, and i'm so grateful to have artists like shania twain leading the charge .

omg u guys i had a convo w/ shania twain last yr at her concert she was literally so passionate about promoting inclusivity in country music & i'm low-key obsessed w/ her Queen of Me tour lineup it's amazing to see artists like her using their platforms 2 make a change i feel like we're finally gettin' there w/ more women & diverse voices takin' over the scene

omg i cant believe shania twain is finally speaking up about this she was literally one of the ones who benefited from the lack of diversity in country music back in the day and now shes using her platform to demand change it's about time, right? like, i remember hearing "man! i feel like a woman" for the first time in school and thinking it was this empowering anthem but now im seeing it through different lenses and its not just about women empowerment anymore anyway, shania twains call for equal play is super necessary and i love that she's bringing up her own tour lineup which is SO diverse lets hope country music can evolve and become more inclusive

I was just thinking about my favorite food spot the other day and how they have this amazing burger that's literally changed my life . I mean, have you guys tried that place? Anyway, back to Shania Twain... I love how she's speaking her mind and pushing for change in country music. It's about time someone called out the industry for being so exclusive. You know what would be awesome? If they started a festival just for all the different genres of music . Can you imagine it? A huge stage with artists from all over the world performing together? I'd totally sell tickets!