As of today, there is only one woman in the Top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart: Maren Morris, whose single “Rich” is currently No. 5.

Maren stopped by Women Want to Hear Women this week and delivered an open and honest dialogue about the current state of women in the country industry, differences in the pop world, how to correct some of the problems and much more.

“I feel conflicted, because I worked so hard to put this album [Hero] out with songs that I dearly care about, and it’s sad because I want to celebrate the fact that my song is in the Top 5, but I also feel like I can’t fully celebrate because I am the only woman in the Top 30,” said Maren to Elaina. “It feels like a catch 22 sometimes because I feel ungrateful when I bring attention to the fact there is such a lack of female representation at radio right now. But I’m also thankful, so I do feel on the fence about it because I’m obviously so gracious that radio is playing this and fans are loving this song, but at the same time I want to be able to celebrate my friends that are putting out incredible music that aren’t even getting a single spin. It’s a weird spot to be in. I want to inspire and help change the landscape and get more female voices heard, but it’s definitely concerning to look at the chart today and literally be the only one that’s a woman on it.”

You asked for Maren, and we’re so thrilled we could make it happen—and we’re thankful Maren continues to demonstrate the courage to speak her mind like a true leader and role model.

Hope you enjoy!

Show Participants:

• Maren Morris
• Elaina Smith, host of Women Want to Hear Women

Videos:

• Maren discusses being the only female in the Top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
• Maren discusses how to correct many of the problems within the country genre.