The inaugural edition of Variety’s Power of Women in Nashville event on Thursday honored cover stars Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Mickey Guyton and Reba McEntire with a reunion of Music City’s best and brightest.
Melissa Joan Hart hosted the high-energy brunch as guests and honorees were treated to moving speeches about the importance of women in music, and especially, women in country music. Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Dasha, and Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia delivered lively performances early into the evening, as Noah Kahan, Maren Morris, Hillary Scott, and Breland served as presenters for honorees and their respective charities.
In line with Variety’s Power of Women celebrations in Los Angeles and New York, all four guests chose a charity to honor, including The Love Foundation, Feel Your Way Through Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Safe Haven Family Shelter. Variety also made a donation in recognition of Ballerini, Crow, Guyton and McEntire’s philanthropic work and advocacy.
“To be seen, celebrated and uplifted in a world that often overlooks us is not only meaningful, it is revolutionary,” said Guyton during her acceptance speech.
These festivities were preceded by a special issue and editorial package that profiled five distinguished songwriters and 26 influential executives.
“As the Power of Women franchise continues to expand, we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women of Nashville who have been driving the entertainment industry forward for decades,” said Variety CEO and Group Publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns. “We are deeply grateful to our partners at Lifetime for their unwavering support in making this franchise a cornerstone of our industry.”
