What does it take to be the Queen of Country Music in Australia? That’s what Amber Joy Poulton will uncover at the Blue Mountains Theatre during her show, ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’.
Performing hits from Shania Twain, Olivia Newton-John, Linda Ronstadt and Tammy Wynette, Poulton’s concert takes the form of an annual general meeting.
“My goal is to convince the committee, which is the band – The Governing Bodies – and the audience who are the quorum, to induct one of these women into the nonexistent Queen of Country Music Hall of Fame,” Poulton explained.
“Shania Twain was obviously the queen of pop, Tammy Wynette was the queen of country, Linda Ronstadt is the queen of rock, and Olivia Newton-John would be the queen of the silver screen.”
Country music fans are known to be picky when it comes to music that fits the genre, but exceptions can be made.
“At the Blue Mountains Theatre, my job will be to show the committee that these four women were embraced by the country music audience despite the fact that they weren’t 100 per cent all country,” Poulton stated.
“It’s interesting because the few times that we’ve done this show, the most country out of all of those women would be Tammy Wynette, but she hasn’t won yet.”
To assist the audience in their decision-making, Poulton embodies the four women with more than just her vocals.
“As someone who’s trying to convince this fictitious committee that these women are deserved of a place in the Country Queens Hall of Fame, I try to represent their style of clothing,” Poulton said.
“That makes life interesting when one of the songs is called ‘Let’s Get Physical’.”
As Poulton continues performing the show, a common trend has emerged.
“I think Tammy Wynette probably does represent country music the most, but I’ve got a soft spot for Linda Ronstadt,” Poulton explained.
“But so far, the crowd have been keen on Olivia and Shania.
“It’s interesting for me to perform these same songs but see a different reaction from different regions of Australia.”
And apparently in New South Wales, Shania is the reigning Queen of Country Music.
“But we are prepared for that to change!” Poulton declared.
If you want to hear the biggest hits from these four powerhouse women, including favourites like ‘Country Roads Take Me Home’, ‘Just One Look’, and of course the title track, ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’, book your ticket online at http://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2025/man-i-feel-like-a-woman/. The show is on Thursday, February 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $68.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.