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.
Sharleen Spiteri joined BBC Radio 2’s The Sara Cox Breakfast Show ahead of Texas taking the stage to launch the main live music programme at Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling.
Checking in from rehearsals, the Texas frontwoman spoke about getting ready for the band’s opening performance at City Park. Radio 2’s annual flagship festival takes place there from 11 to 13 September 2026. "I’m match fit because I’ve had a couple of days’ rehearsals," Spiteri said. "We’re kicking the whole weekend off, which we’re very much looking forward to, so everybody’s got to get ready to party."
Before the live acts take over, Friday’s DJ Pre-Party gets the weekend started with Radio 2 favourites Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan behind the decks.
Jo Whiley helped set the mood with a special programme from Stirling’s Tolbooth venue. Working with BBC Introducing Scotland, the broadcast put the spotlight on Scotland’s emerging music scene through performances and conversations with Fright Years, Alice Faye, and James Emmanuel.
Fright Years, a four member band from Edinburgh, played "Never Been Wrong" and offered their take on Simple Minds’ "Waterfront." Glasgow singer and songwriter Alice Faye, the BBC Introducing in Scotland 2026 winner, paired "Some Brief Encounter" with a rendition of Lulu’s arrangement of "I Started a Joke." James Emmanuel, who was born in Nigeria and now lives in Edinburgh, sang "Brothers & Sisters" before taking on Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman."
"We’re all about celebrating BBC Introducing and all the music that’s come out of Scotland," Whiley told listeners. "It's about celebrating the local music scene and the incredibly important work that BBC Introducing does to support independent, up-and-coming artists."
Joining the conversation were Stephanie Cheape, presenter of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Tara McLoughlin, venue manager for Stirling Council, and student radio presenters representing the University of Stirling’s Air3 Radio.
Listeners can catch the complete interviews and live performances from the weekend’s programmes on BBC Sounds.
