Country music icon Shania Twain was honored with the 2023 “CMT Equal Play Award” at the CMT Music Awards held on Sunday, 22nd May 2022, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. She used her time at the podium to call for more inclusivity in the country music industry.
Twain received the award recognizing her as a vocal advocate for elevating diverse and underrepresented voices in the country music industry. The legendary country singer-songwriter acknowledged her 1997 hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and how it has become a statement of empowerment for many communities around the world.
In her acceptance speech, Shania promised to champion outstanding country artists who are not played, streamed, toured, or awarded at the level they deserve. She called on the country music industry to provide an equal workspace for all talents regardless of gender, age, or race.
Shania Twain is bringing many rising stars with her on her Queen of Me tour, including Lily Rose, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, BRELAND, Robyn Ottolini, Mickey Guyton, and others. She received a standing ovation from the audience as she reminded them that there is so much talent out there waiting to be discovered.
Twain believes that although the country music genre has a rich history that raised and nurtured her own songwriting and performance skills, the industry standard does a disservice to it. She urged everyone in attendance and beyond to help create a more diverse and inclusive community within the country music industry.
The 2022 CMT Music Awards saw Twain perform her iconic hit song “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and had a memorable performance. It was reminiscent of the song’s original video, complete with choreography, glamour, and most importantly, an infectious spirit that embodies what it means to be truly liberated.
Apart from the music performances, the 2023 CMT Music Awards were also about fashion. Country music stars stepped out in various outfits, and the diversity was evident. Kelsea Ballerini debuted on the red carpet with her boyfriend wearing Dolce & Gabbana before hosting the show. Shania Twain wore a cutout gown that revealed her abs and a red wig.
Carrie Underwood wore a Dolce & Gabbana ensemble that showed off her toned legs with a pair of sparkling shorts and a glittering coat. Lainey Wilson rocked a colorful jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and metallic studded belt. Megan Thee Stallion wore a navy blue custom Defaïence gown with cutouts along her hips.
Newlyweds Lily Rose and Daira Eamon walked the red carpet and showed off their wedding rings just days after their wedding. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani walked together, with Stefani wearing glittering gold Valentino Couture hot pants with a blazer and tie while Shelton wore jeans and a sports jacket.
Carly Pearce wore a black dress with a sparkling rhinestone collar before performing with Stefani. Wynonna Judd added a touch of bling with green and white jewels on the lapels of her velour suit. Ashley McBryde rocked a white, strapless pantsuit before performing with Wynonna.
During the event, Kane Brown and his spouse Katelyn Brown made history by becoming the first husband-and-wife duo to win the coveted video of the year award for their 2022 song “Thank God.” Other winners included Jelly Roll who won three trophies including male breakthrough video of the year.
The ceremony featured performances by well-known artists such as Gwen Stefani, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, and Alanis Morissette. Twain, Stefani, and Pearce were set to perform at the awards show. Alanis Morissette, Wilson, Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards, and Morgan Wade were set to perform to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CMT “Next Women of Country.”
The Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute featured Slash, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, and Warren Haynes with LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd serving as honorary “Honkettes.” Stevie Ray Vaughan was also honored with a tribute performance.
Overall, the CMT Music Awards 2022 was a night to celebrate country music’s diversity in both music styles and fashion. Shania Twain’s call for inclusivity should be heeded by everyone in the industry. The honoree’s words remind everyone that there is still work that needs to be done to give everyone an equal chance to shine.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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