For quite some time, there have been discussions regarding the lack of women making it big on country radio, despite the fact there are plenty of talented, quality female artists in country music. Recently, a music industry consultant made some fairly sexist comments regarding the topic -- and one of the genre's biggest stars, Martina McBride, responded with her opinion on the matter.

In a recent issue of Country Aircheck, consultant Keith Hill cautions radio stations against playing too many female artists.

"If you want to make ratings in country radio, take females out," he says. "Trust me, I play great female records, and we’ve got some right now; they’re just not the lettuce in our salad. The lettuce is Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and artists like that. The tomatoes of our salad are the females.”

But with so many strong and talented women making country music, who wants to be described as a simple garnish? Of course, country's ladies had something to say.

"Wow ... just wow," McBride writes in a Facebook update. "How do you feel about this statement? I especially want to hear from the females. Do you not like to hear other women singing about what you are going through as women? I'm really curious.

"Because to me, country music is about relating. Someone relating to what you are really going through on a day-to-day basis in your life," she adds. "Did you girls (core female listeners) know you were being 'assessed' in this way? Is this how you really feel? Hmmm ..."

Jennifer Nettles also responded on Twitter, saying, "Don't worry babe. I see an opportunity here. [A] big ole vagina shaped opportunity. #yesisaidvagina #trynottofaint"

Fortunately, country's leading ladies know how to stick together and support one another. For example, Miranda Lambert is doing her part with her recently announced all-female Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour.

“I really support female artists in any genre, especially country music right now," she says. "I’ve taken girls on tour for a long time, and I want to continue to do that because I feel like I can give them a platform."

Lambert also spoke on this subject in 2014, saying, "There are so many amazing, talented females out there. If I can have any part of them getting heard, I want to."

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