Variety magazine is set to host its inaugural Power of Women: Nashville event on May 1, 2025, bringing its celebrated franchise to one of the most iconic music cities in America. The occasion will recognize four outstanding female country music artists: Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, Reba McEntire, and Lainey Wilson, honoring their remarkable contributions not only in music but also in philanthropy.
Leading this star-studded event will be none other than nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow, a notable figure in the industry who was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This Power of Women event coincides with the release of a special Nashville issue of Variety, hitting newsstands on April 29, 2025. Each of the honorees will grace four separate covers of this exciting magazine edition, celebrating their individual journeys and achievements.
The Power of Women event is part of Variety's ongoing commitment to celebrating female voices in the entertainment industry alongside their philanthropic efforts. Each honoree will spotlight a charity of their choice, with Variety pledging a donation to each organization. Kelsea Ballerini will champion the Feel Your Way Through Foundation, focused on supporting mental health initiatives. Mickey Guyton will bring attention to The Loveland Foundation, which empowers communities of color, particularly aiding Black women and nonbinary individuals. Reba McEntire, celebrated for her extensive career in music and television, will support the Safe Haven Family Shelter, dedicated to combating homelessness. Lainey Wilson, a name synonymous with creativity and success, will highlight her Heart Like a Truck Fund, which aims to foster positive change and support a range of causes.
In addition to honoring these remarkable artists, the event will see actress and activist Ashley Judd attending to introduce her upcoming four-part documentary series, "The Judd Family: Truth Be Told," premiering on Lifetime on May 10 and 11, 2025. The documentary will delve into the complex bond within the Judd family, focusing on the relationships between Naomi Judd and her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley. This narrative is expected to resonate deeply with fans, offering a personal look at one of country music's most renowned families.
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety, expressed her excitement: "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. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Lifetime for their unwavering support in making this franchise a cornerstone of our industry."
Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president and head of programming at A&E Networks, echoed this sentiment, stating, "The impact of these extraordinary honorees reminds us that true power lies in uplifting others and creating meaningful change. This year, as we bring Variety’s Power of Women to Nashville for the first time, we celebrate not only their achievements but also the power of storytelling, community, and advocacy. Lifetime is proud to continue shining a light on these remarkable women with Variety.”
The Nashville Power of Women event stands out not only for its star power but also for its dedication to effecting positive change within the community. Every honoree embodies the spirit of advocacy through their respective charities, allowing the event to serve as a platform for amplifying the voices of women in the country music scene.
Along with the charity work, the event will feature exclusive curated gift bags for the honorees and guests containing entertainment, beauty, health, and fashion products sourced from various companies, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.
As Nashville continues to evolve as a music hub, events like the Power of Women serve to inspire future generations of artists and advocates to use their platform for good. With the combination of music, philanthropy, and powerful storytelling, the inaugural Nashville event is set to create ripples of positive change across the industry.
