do they want a real live woman?

Lately I've been really grossed out by some of the trends in Country Music. It seems to me that the effort of bringing more equality into country music has been skewed. In stead of focusing on the best female artists out there, it seems more focus is being put on the best looking female artists out there.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great when an amazing female artists gets to rise to her potential. If she happens to also look nice, more power to her! I especially like hearing when these awesome ladies are genuinely good people.
What bothers me is when I see someone with mediocre (or sometimes downright awful) so-called talent get put ahead of the actually wonderfully talented ones, because of skinny tummies and pretty faces. When the way you look overshadows the art you make, we are on the wrong track.

I long for more female artists, especially in country music, since this is where my heart lies. When I see a talented lady out there rocking it, I jump for joy! But I'm not interested in the quest for adding more girls if it's going to be another objectifying fest. Then we might as well listen to more bro-country and snap open another beer. 

Feeling through all of this I remembered a song by Trisha Yearwood "Real Live Woman". This song totally encompasses how I feel we should listen to music. Forget the hype, don't believe the billboards - listen with your heart. ​