Country music is a man’s game. It’s clear by looking at how men overwhelmingly outnumber women in every festival lineup, at every awards show, and on every Billboard chart. But this year, the return of the Stagecoach country music festival has proven that the genre is changing and that there is room for more than a few women here and there.

In fact, this year’s female performers were so good they simply refused to be forgotten. Here are seven moments from Stagecoach 2022 that showed women on the rise in the genre.

1. When Tanya Tucker showed how country queens support each other

During country legend Tanya Tucker’s Friday night set, she called fellow singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who had to pull out of Stagecoach days prior due to COVID-19, and sent her some ‘love. During the FaceTime call, Tucker called Carlile — who is her friend and frequent collaborator — her “hero” and “the greatest singer to ever walk the earth.” Tucker even started to sing a few verses of Carlile’s song “That Wasn’t Me”.

2. When Maren Morris completely won over the men in the crowd

Going into Maren Morris’ Friday night performance, I had high expectations. But when the Grammy Award-winning singer took to the stage sounding even better than on the radio, it was hilarious to hear the men behind me so quickly won over. One man in particular had clearly been dragged onto the set by a couple of girlfriends who assured him he’d enjoy it, and a few songs later I heard him say “Wow…she’s good as f***.” Yes, of course she is. She’s also an incredible writer who has created songs for stars like Kelly Clarkson. Do your research next time.

3. When Carrie Underwood changed her outfit more than three times

Carrie Underwood is a star, and every star deserves to show off her sense of style during a headlining Stagecoach set. But can we take a minute to appreciate how many times Underwood changed his outfit and didn’t skip a beat? From a rhinestone-encrusted denim jacket and matching denim shorts to a sparkly fringe jumpsuit, Underwood seized the opportunity to shine — literally and figuratively — but there were no cuts. current or awkward breaks that interfered with the flow of the show. And let’s not forget that she did it all in heeled boots – something a male headliner could NEVER do without breaking her ankle.

4. When Reyna Roberts reminded us of the importance of self-confidence

Reyna Roberts is the badass country artist you need to add to your Spotify rotation. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Anchorage, Alaska, gained traction after opening for the Plain White T’s, and is known for her July 2020 debut single, “Stompin’ Grounds,” as well as multiple appearances on NFL Monday Night Football. She completely dominated the SiriusXM Spotlight stage early Saturday night, rocking a black “Charlie’s Angels” jumpsuit with her signature fiery red hair. But the best moment came towards the end of her set, when she shouted “Girls, is there anyone like you? Let me hear you say it: There’s no one like me! ” and encouraged the crowd to say it with her. We love a woman who reminds others of their individuality.

5. When Margo Price showed us what it means to make an entrance

Not only can Margo Price sing and go wild on stage, she knows how to make a memorable entrance. The 39-year-old singer-songwriter from Illinois rode his horse, literally, behind the stage, donning a cowboy hat and looking cool as heck. Once on stage, she traded her horse for a guitar and delivered a superb set. She played one of her hits, “Four Years of Chances”, an anthem for all the women and all the men who are fed up and who are done waiting for men to make up their minds.

6. When Laci Kaye Booth shouted at Stevie Nicks

Former “American Idol” contestant Laci Kaye Booth hit the SiriusXM Spotlight Stage during an unbearably hot time slot early Saturday afternoon, but what I will always remember is her heartfelt tribute to one of his biggest inspirations, rock icon Stevie Nicks. Right at the end of her performance, Booth recounted how the first time she heard a Nicks recording, she told her father that he needed to drive her to Walmart immediately to buy one of her CDs. Like a true MVP, he agreed, and Booth listened to that CD religiously until she knew every word. She expressed her love for Nicks before diving into a moving cover of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.

7. When Ingrid Andress put men in the crowd for them

Rising country singer Ingrid Andress, best known for her hit ‘More Hearts Than Mine,’ was battling the sun during her scorching 16-hour set on Mane Stage, but she chilled many of us with a real Ice Queen moment. when it came time to introduce the song “Waste of Lime”. Andress grabbed the mic with a smirk on her face and joked “Okay boys, this one’s for you to remind you not to waste time”, which of course drew cheers from women in the crowd.