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

Country music icon Shania Twain delivered a powerful acceptance speech at the CMT Awards, calling for greater equity and diversity in the genre she helped shape over three decades ago. "I believe in an all-inclusive country music," she declared. "We're family." This stance echoes her enduring hit song "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", which Twain wrote in the 1990s but never fully grasped the impact it would have on generations of women and marginalized communities to come.

When asked about the phrase's influence, Twain revealed that she had been unaware of its widespread adoption by diverse groups around the world. "It's amazing how one statement can empower so many," she said, reflecting on her hit song's evolution from an empowering anthem to a beacon for social change.

Twain's remarks come as the country music industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion. The legendary star has long been a trailblazer in her own right, using her platform to promote women's empowerment and challenge traditional norms in the male-dominated genre.

To make good on her promise, Twain will be showcasing an array of emerging artists with diverse backgrounds on her "Queen of Me" tour this year, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Mickey Guyton, and more. These acts are among those she highlighted as deserving greater recognition and support from the industry.

As a trailblazer herself, Twain reiterated her commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all artists have equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, or racial background. With her unwavering dedication to this cause, Twain will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians to follow in her footsteps and strive for greater diversity and inclusivity in country music.

The award-giving ceremony itself was marked by a touching performance with the African American singing group The BoykinZ, whom Twain met through Kelly Clarkson after being surprised on an episode of her daytime talk show. This humanizing moment served as a poignant reminder of the connections that can be forged when artists come together to celebrate each other's successes.

In conclusion, Shania Twain's passionate plea for more diversity and equity in country music resonates deeply with fans worldwide. By championing underrepresented voices and pushing boundaries within an industry often criticized for its lack of representation, Twain is shaping a brighter future for the genre โ€“ one that honors its rich history while embracing its limitless potential.
 
๐Ÿคฉ Shania's speech at the CMT Awards was EVERYTHING!!! I'm so proud to see her still using her platform to make a difference ๐Ÿ™Œ. She's always been a trailblazer, and now she's taking it to the next level by giving more opportunities to emerging artists from diverse backgrounds ๐Ÿ’–. It's about time the country music industry got its act together and started representing all kinds of people ๐ŸŽถ. I love how she's not just talking about change, but actually putting her money where her mouth is ๐Ÿค‘. Can't wait to see her "Queen of Me" tour lineup! ๐Ÿ‘‘ The fact that she met Kelly Clarkson on her show and then invited The BoykinZ to perform with her at the CMT Awards is just too cool ๐ŸŽ‰. It's all about sisterhood and supporting each other in this industry ๐Ÿ’ช. Shania, you're still my queen ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿ‘ธ!
 
I'm loving Shania's message on CMT Awards ๐Ÿคฉ! She's really taking ownership of her impact and using it to push for change in country music. It's awesome that she's putting her money where her mouth is with the "Queen of Me" tour lineup - those emerging artists need all the support they can get! ๐ŸŒŸ

And can we talk about how great it was to see The BoykinZ perform live? That humanizing moment really highlights the importance of building connections within the music community. It's not just about the awards, it's about creating a space where everyone feels seen and valued.

I'm also loving Shania's 'we're family' vibe ๐Ÿ’•. She's not just talking the talk, she's walking the walk - using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and promote equality in country music. Bring it on! ๐ŸŽ‰
 
I'm loving how Shania's talking about breaking down barriers in country music ๐Ÿคฉ. It's about time! I mean, she's been a trailblazer for ages, and now she's using her platform to uplift newer artists who might not get the same opportunities. Like, have you seen the lineup for her "Queen of Me" tour? It's all these talented folks from different backgrounds who deserve some love ๐ŸŒˆ. I'm so down for more diversity and equity in country music - it's time to shake things up and make room for everyone! ๐Ÿ’ช
 
๐Ÿค— I'm so proud of Shania Twain for using her platform to bring about change in the country music industry. It's amazing how her song "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" has become an anthem for many women and marginalized communities around the world ๐ŸŒŽ. She's been a trailblazer all along, promoting women's empowerment and challenging traditional norms in a male-dominated genre ๐Ÿ’ช. I love that she's showcasing emerging artists with diverse backgrounds on her tour - it's about time we see more representation in country music ๐ŸŽธ! Shania's commitment to breaking down barriers is truly inspiring, and I'm excited to see the impact of her "Queen of Me" tour ๐Ÿš€. She's proof that age is just a number, and you can still make a difference in people's lives when you're over 50 ๐Ÿ˜Š.
 
the CMT Awards are always so cringe ๐Ÿคฃ Shania Twain's speech was definitely inspiring, but can we talk about how outdated the whole ceremony feels? it's like they're trying to be cool again but really they're just recycling the same old formula... and don't even get me started on the voting process ๐Ÿ™„ it's still so white-washed in my opinion. anyway, I love that Shania is using her platform to bring in new artists with diverse backgrounds - it's about time we saw some real representation ๐Ÿค—
 
Wow ๐Ÿ˜Š, I'm loving how Shania Twain is using her platform to create real change in country music! It's so inspiring to see someone who's been part of an industry for decades stepping up and calling out the need for more diversity and equity. And featuring emerging artists with diverse backgrounds on her tour is a huge step in the right direction ๐ŸŽ‰.
 
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