NEWS
(L-R) Faith Fennidy, Madeline Edwards, Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer perform during the 55th annual Country Music Association awards at the Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 10, 2021 in Nashville.
Terry Wyatt/Getty ImagesMickey Guyton embraced her natural hair for an emotional performance of "Love My Hair" at the 2021 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Wednesday evening (Nov. 10) live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
Faith Fennidy, who was removed from her Catholic school at age 11 for wearing braids, presented the performance by opening up about how she personally inspired the song "Love My Hair." "A few years ago, I was sent home from school because my braids were said to be a distraction. It was devastating for me. But this next artist created this song to make sure girls like me feel seen and loved," she said before pausing in the midst of roaring applause. "And that's how you turn something very painful into something very positive. With your help, we can work together to ensure the next generation grows up in a respectful and open world for natural hair."
Guyton, Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards put their big, beautiful curly hair and billowing white gowns on full display while singing their truths as Black women who "used to think what God gave me wasn't fair/ I'd braid it all/ Just to hide the curls up there/ I found my freedom/ When I learned not to care/ Now I'm not scared/ To love who I am/ I love my hair." After the threesome harmonized on the chorus, they came together in an embrace.
Guyton was nominated for new artist of the year, which fellow Black country artist Jimmie Allen ended up winning that night. "Love My Hair" is from the 37-year-old singer's debut studio album Remember Her Name, which she released in September via Capitol Records Nashville.
Two-time entertainer of the year winner Luke Bryan made his hosting debut at the 55th annual CMA Awards.
DragonForce have officially introduced Alissa White-Gluz as the band’s newest vocalist, revealing that the former Arch Enemy singer will now perform alongside longtime frontman Marc Hudson as the group moves into a new era.
Her debut performances with the band are happening soon, with White-Gluz set to appear at Florida’s Welcome To Rockville this weekend before joining DragonForce again at Ohio’s Sonic Temple the following week.
The upcoming concerts are part of the celebration marking 20 years since the release of Inhuman Rampage, the 2005 record that pushed DragonForce into worldwide metal success.
The group also revealed that this new version of the band has already started creating new music, hinting at an exciting new direction for the future.
Founding guitarist Herman Li described White-Gluz joining the band as an important new chapter for DragonForce.
He explained: “Alissa joining the band is an expansion of everything we’ve done up to this point."
Li also shared that even after two decades together, the band still feels inspired to keep evolving.
He said: “Together we will honour what made Inhuman Rampage matter, while showing people exactly where we’re going next… She doesn’t just sing, she makes all aspects of our music better. And she sounds incredible live!”
White-Gluz opened up about how excited she is to take on the new role, saying the collaboration already feels creatively rewarding and refreshing.
She said: “I am beyond excited to be bringing such iconic music to life with these amazingly skilled musicians.
“It feels great to showcase all the colours of my voice… in technically challenging, deeply energising, highly addictive songs.”
She also spoke about the continued support from fans over the years and how much it motivates her moving forward.
She said: “I want to keep pushing my boundaries and delivering exceptional music and live experiences to the fans that I cherish so much.”
The news follows a major transition period for White-Gluz, who officially exited Arch Enemy in November before releasing her debut solo single The Room Where She Died later that same day.
White-Gluz spent 12 years as part of the Swedish melodic death metal outfit.
The band's social media statement regarding her exit read: “Arch Enemy have parted ways with singer Alissa White-Gluz. We’re thankful for the time and music we’ve shared and wish her all the best. Wherever there is an ending, there is also a beginning. See you in 2026.”
White-Gluz wrote in her own statement: "After 12 years in Arch Enemy, we have parted ways. I am forever thankful to the thousands of amazing fans I have met along the way. Thank you, Beastligns! I can’t wait to share what I have been working on with you all (some big surprises in store). Stay tuned for big news in 2026 and see you very soon."
White-Gluz’s position in Arch Enemy was later filled by One Human musician Lauren Hart.
