Stagecoach 2022: 7 times female country artists dominated the music festival
Country music is a man's game. That's clear by looking at how overwhelmingly men outnumber the women on every festival lineup, at every award show and on every Billboard chart. But this year, the return of Stagecoach country music festival proved that the genre is changing, and there's room for more than just a couple women here and there.
In fact, this year's female performers were so good, they simply refused to be forgotten. Here are seven Stagecoach 2022 moments that showed women on the rise in the genre.
1. When Tanya Tucker showed how country queens support each other
During country legend Tanya Tucker's Friday night set, she called up fellow singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who had to pull out of Stagecoach just days before because of COVID-19, and sent her some love. During the FaceTime call, Tucker referred to Carlile — who is her friend and frequent collaborator — as her "hero" and "the greatest female singer who ever walked the Earth." Tucker even started singing a few verses from Carlile's song "That Wasn't Me."
2. When Maren Morris completely won over the men in the crowd
Going into Maren Morris' Friday night performance, I had high expectations. But when the Grammy Award-winning singer took the stage sounding even better than she does on the radio, it was hilarious to hear the men behind me be so quickly won over. One man in particular had clearly been dragged to the set by a couple female friends who kept assuring him he'd enjoy it, and a few songs in, I heard him say "Wow ... she's good as f***." Yes, of course she is. She's also an amazing writer who's created songs for stars such as Kelly Clarkson. Do your research next time.
3. When Carrie Underwood seamlessly changed outfits more than three times
Carrie Underwood is a star, and every star deserves to show off their sense of style during a headlining Stagecoach set. But can we take a minute to appreciate how many times Underwood changed outfits and didn't skip a beat? From a rhinestone-encrusted jean jacket and matching denim shorts number to a sparkly fringed jumpsuit, Underwood seized her opportunity to shine — literally and figuratively — but there were no awkward blackouts or pauses that interfered with the flow of the show. And let's not forget she did it all in heeled boots — something a male headliner could NEVER do without breaking an ankle.
4. When Reyna Roberts reminded us of the importance of self confidence
Reyna Roberts is the badass country artist you need to add to your Spotify rotation. This 24-year-old singer-songwriter, who's originally from Anchorage, Alaska, gained career traction after opening for the Plain White T's, and is known for her July 2020 debut single, "Stompin' Grounds," as well as multiple appearances on NFL's Monday Night Football. She completely dominated the SiriusXM Spotlight stage early Saturday evening, rocking a "Charlie's Angels"-esque black jumpsuit with her signature fire-red hair. But the best moment came toward the end of her set, when she yelled "Girls, is there anyone like you? Let me hear you say it: There's no one like me!" and encouraged the crowd to say it with her. We love a woman who reminds others of their individuality.
5. When Margo Price showed us what it means to make an entrance
Not only can Margo Price sing and rock out on stage, but she knows how to make a memorable entrance. The 39-year-old singer-songwriter from Illinois rode in on her horse, literally, behind the stage, donning a cowboy hat and looking cool as heck. Once she got on stage, she traded her horse for a guitar and delivered a great set. She played one of her hits, "Four Years of Chances," an anthem for all women and men out there who are fed up and done waiting on men to make up their minds.
6. When Laci Kaye Booth gave a shoutout to Stevie Nicks
Former "American Idol" contestant Laci Kaye Booth hit the SiriusXM Spotlight stage during an unbearably hot early afternoon time slot Saturday, but what I'll always remember over the heat is her heartfelt tribute to one of her biggest inspirations, rock icon Stevie Nicks. Right at the end of her performance, Booth told a story about how the first time she ever heard a recording of Nicks, she told her dad he needed to drive her to Walmart immediately to buy one of her CDs. Like a true MVP, he obliged, and Booth listened to that CD religiously until she knew every word. She expressed her love for Nicks before diving into a soulful cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams."
7. When Ingrid Andress put some men in the crowd in their place
Up-and-coming country songstress Ingrid Andress, best known for her breakout hit "More Hearts Than Mine," was fighting against the sun during her scorching 4 p.m. Mane Stage set, but she cooled many of us off with a true Ice Queen moment when it came time to introduce the song "Waste of Lime." Andress grabbed the mic with a smirk on her face and quipped "Alright boys, this one is for you to remind you not to be a waste of time," which of course garnered some cheers from the women in the crowd.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Stagecoach 2022: 7 female country artists who dominated the festival