The music industry, and particularly country music, has long been a challenging environment for women trying to break through. But country singer-songwriter Annie Bosko believes that things are beginning to change, and she credits one of the genre’s biggest stars, Jelly Roll, for leading the charge to help level the playing field.

In an exclusive interview with Taste of Country Nights, Bosko opened up about the tough reality women face in country music. She pointed out a staggering statistic: women make up just 8 percent of country music airplay on the radio, with the rest dominated by male artists. “As a female, this is not a ‘woe is me,’” Bosko said. “It’s a stat. Your odds are stacked against you.” According to Dr. Jada Watson’s data, female artists still only account for a fraction of the country music airwaves, a reality that continues to frustrate and disappoint many aspiring women in the genre.

But Bosko isn’t just speaking out about the problem — she’s highlighting how artists like Jelly Roll are part of the solution. Jelly Roll, who has become a fan favorite for his crossover appeal between country and rap, has used his platform to elevate female artists in a way that’s rare in the industry. Bosko shared that Jelly Roll doesn’t just see women as a novelty or an afterthought but as equal partners in the music world.

“There are some artists that I open for that don’t know I’m the opener and they don’t know who I am,” Bosko explained. “Jelly makes a point to know who you are. He’ll bring you out on stage to sing with him, he’s giving you that platform.” This gesture is more than just a moment of charity — it’s a chance for women to be seen, heard, and recognized for their talent in an industry that has too often overlooked them.

Bosko also spoke about how Jelly Roll’s actions are rooted in his personal values, particularly his love and care for his own daughter. “Jelly told me, ‘I have a daughter. In the event that she wants to pursue music someday, I hope that someone does that for her,’” Bosko recalled. His commitment to ensuring women have the same opportunities as men in the music industry is something that makes him stand out from many other male artists.

Despite the progress being made, Bosko pointed out that women are still vastly underrepresented in country music festivals. She shared that women make up “not even a quarter” of the lineups at major festivals. “It’s just crazy what we are up against,” Bosko said. With 92 percent of country radio songs still coming from male artists and a similar disparity in festival performances, it’s clear that the industry still has a long way to go in ensuring equal representation.

However, the support from artists like Jelly Roll is a beacon of hope for female country artists everywhere. By offering up his platform and actively working to elevate women, Jelly Roll is proving that real change can happen when those in positions of power extend their influence to others.

Bosko’s words highlight a significant shift in the industry — one where artists and fans alike are pushing for equality and a future where everyone has an equal shot at success. With artists like Jelly Roll leading the way, the future of country music looks brighter for women than ever before.