Maren Morris Praises 'Brave' Female Musicians Who Refused to 'Shut up and Sing' in Variety Changemaker Speech

The singer said she “found deep inspiration” in the activism of Taylor Swift, The Chicks, Sinead O’Connor and Billie Holiday

Maren Morris gives credit where credit is due.

The singer-songwriter, 33, was awarded the Changemaker of the Year award at Diversity‘s Hitmakers Brunch in Los Angeles on Saturday — and she used her acceptance speech to applaud the “brave” artists who inspire her.

After being introduced by pop singer Maggie Rogers, Morris – who often uses her platform to denounce transphobia, homophobia and other forms of discrimination – said she was “overwhelmed” to receive the award.

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“The Middle” singer went on to admit that the success she’s had in pursuing her “childhood dream” of being a country singer is bittersweet considering the current state of the industry.

Morris said she “achieved success in [a system that] it was deeply fractured and above all focused—get this—on men rather than any other type of human being who makes comparable or often better music.”

Maren Morris was introduced by pop singer Maggie Rogers at Variety’s 2023 Hitmakers Brunch.

David Livingston/WireImage

“I realized very quickly that publicly highlighting these inequalities doesn’t make you the most popular,” said Morris, who made headlines last year for calling out Brittany Kerr Aldean for a transphobic comment. “If you dare to criticize blatant misogyny, racism, transphobia within the ranks of your industry, you are met with isolation, death threats, being labeled as ungrateful, biting the hand that fed you, or increasingly being told to just shut up and sing.”

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In the “moments of backlash” she experienced as a result, Morris said she “found solace in the stories of my musical heroines,” including Taylor Swift, The Chicks, Sinead O’Connor and Billie Holiday.

Swift for “taking back ownership of her life’s work”, The Chicks for “criticizing the current president of the United States for invading Iraq at the height of their country music career”, O’Connor for “shedding light on the abuse of the Catholic Church” and Holiday for “continuing to perform ‘ Strange Fruit’ in protest, even with a racially targeted FBI investigation threatening her,” Morris explained.

“They were all told not to bite the hand. They were all told to be quiet and sing,” she said. “I would never be foolish enough to compare myself or my story to these women, but I found deep inspiration in their courage in times of loneliness.”

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These “brave” women taught Morris that “you have to be a big hoot to make any kind of change, because you criticize and try to dismantle the status quo and make comfortable people uncomfortable,” she said. .

Maren Morris at Variety’s 2023 Hitmakers Brunch.

David Livingston/WireImage

The “Chasing After You” singer also admitted her recent decision to take a break from country music to “figure out why I love making music again” — a “journey” she’s “still struggling with.”

“I love making music and don’t fight for what you don’t love,” Morris said. “So the only change I’ve made that I feel like I can take credit for is within me, and if it’s reverberated outward in any way and made a significant impact on someone, then I’m privileged and relieved that it’s been done.”

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At the star-studded event in LA, the “My Church” singer spoke with Party tonight about when he will release his next project.

“I’m going through a lot of personal stuff right now, processing it, writing,” said Morris, who filed for divorce from Ryan Hurd in October ET.

“So yeah, I’m giving myself time to do that and not have to rush through a very, very personal thing through delivering the album,” she said. “It’s going to take a little longer than I hoped, but I have to trust the process.”

The newly single singer also told the outlet that she’s looking forward to a “really empowering 2024.” – and to stay away from going out for a while.

When asked if she was single and ready to hang out, Morris said ET“I mean, not hanging out. But yeah, we’ll see.”

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Source: HIS Education