Everything you need to know about country legend Shania Twain
She's a music icon!
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
Shania Twain really needs no introduction. Having sold over 100 million records, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time and the best-selling female artist in country music history. From iconic tracks such as 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' and 'You're Still The One' to 'Unhealthy', her 2023 hit with Anne-Marie, Shania has had an incredible career so far.
Here's everything you need to know about country music legend Shania Twain, who will now be performing at Glastonbury, from how she became famous to her incredible journey to stardom and the exciting projects she has coming up - including a tour!
Who is Shania Twain?
Shania Twain is a Canadian singer-songwriter and actress. She has had incredible global success in her career, becoming the best-selling female artist in country music history. Shania's phenomenal success has seen her dubbed the 'Queen of Country Pop'.
How old is she?
Shania was born on 28th August 1965, making her currently 58-years-old. She was born in Windsor, Canada and grew up in Timmins, Ontario.
What is Shania Twain's real name?
Shania was born Eilleen Regina Edwards. Her parents divorced when she was two-years-old and her mother married Jerry Twain - who adopted Shania (then called Eilleen) and her two sisters.
After signing with Mercury Nashville in 1992, the label didn't think that Eilleen Twain flowed as a stage name, leading her to change it to Shania. The name is described by many sources as of Ojibwe origin, meaning 'I'm on my way' (or 'she is on her way'), and is reportedly a 'nod to her stepfather's Ojibwa heritage'.
Shania's biographer Robin Eggar said on this: 'There is no mispronounced or misheard phrase in either Ojibwe or Cree that comes close to meaning 'on my way.' Yet the legend of her name continues to be repeated in the media to this day' - however, this is thought to be incorrect, with the phrase 'Ani aya'aa' (pronounced 'Ah-nih Eye-uh-ah') meaning 'someone on the way' in Ojibwe.
How did Shania Twain become famous?
Shania pursued singing and songwriting from a young age and was invited to perform on CBC's Tommy Hunter show at the age of 13. Whilst at school, Shania was the singer for a local band named Longshot, who performed covers. During the early 80s, Shania spent some time working for her father's reforestation business in Northern Ontario.
Commenting on Anne-Marie's Instagram post - who she recently collaborated with on the hit 'Unhealthy' - Shania revealed that one of her first jobs was working at McDonald's - 'True story', as she put it herself!
After graduating from Timmins High in June 1983, Shania was approached by a cover band called 'Flirt', which was led by Canadian country artist Diane Chase. Shania joined the band and toured around Ontario with them.
She released her self-titled debut album in April 1993. Prior to its release, Shania sang backing vocals for other artists. In 1993, Shania met her ex-husband, rock producer Robert John 'Mutt' Lange, who had heard her first album and wanted to work with her.
2023: Collaboration with Anne-Marie
Shania teamed up with Anne-Marie on the song 'Unhealthy', which features on Anne-Marie's album of the same name. The song is out now and is accompanied by a cowboy-themed music video. Anne-Marie has previously told us how the collab came about, as she 'reached high' to get the country legend to sing on her track.
She said: "I thought the only person who makes sense to me in Shania Twain! You know, reach high! So we sent it to her and I was like, 'you know what, this probably ain't going to happen', but she replied and said 'I love it, I'm in the UK for one day more, let's get in'."
Who else would Shania like to work with?
Speaking to Ben Earle on Absolute Radio Country, Shania revealed that she'd love to collaborate with Kim Petras, Beyoncé and Coldplay's Chris Martin in the future. She said: "Kim Petras for sure, I'd love to get together with her.
"We talked about just getting together and writing some songs. And Chris Martin's a big music hero of mine, I'd love to get together with him. Oh, I mean Beyoncé. I think if there was somebody outside of my own genre that I would love to duet with, it would be her.
"I love doing things out of the box and any of those would be out of the box for sure."
Shania Twain and the Foo Fighters
As fans of the legendary 'My Hero' band Foo Fighters will know, the rock band are no strangers to live collaborations - and in October 2023, Shania joined their impressive catalogue!
Shania joined the rock giants during their headline set at Austin City Limits in Texas on Saturday night (7th October). With flame-red hair, Shania shared vocal duties with Foo's lead singer Dave Grohl, belting out their 2005 anthem ‘Best of You’.
Shania Twain's Barbie doll
In celebration of International Women's Day 2024, Shania was honoured with her very own Barbie doll. The doll sports a black top hat and outfit reminiscent of her iconic 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' music video.
Glastonbury 2024
Shania was announced for Glastonbury Festival in March 2024. The singer will fill the Legends slot for the festival, and took to Instagram to share her excitement.
She told her fans: 'The legends slot at GLASTONBURY 2024 - Another jewel in my crown!! 👑 I feel so honoured and so excited about this one! Thinking about what to wear already 💅 and tell me, what should we sing together?! Let’s make history this summer with this ultimate dream performance!! 🤩 #legendsneverdie @glastofest'.
Shania Twain's awards:
Shania has won plenty of awards throughout her career. In fact, Shania has scooped an incredible 223 awards and accolades so far.
Grammy Awards
Shania has won five Grammy Awards:
1996: Best Country Album for 'The Woman in Me'.
1999: Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for 'You're Still The One.'
2000: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' and Best Country Song for 'Come On Over'.
Academy of Country Music Awards
1996: Best New Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for 'The Woman in Me'.
1999: Double-Diamond Award for 'The Woman in Me' and 'Come On Over.'
2000: Entertainer of the Year.
2022: Poet's Award.
Shania received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June 2011 and also has a maple leaf on Canada's Walk of Fame. Shania was also inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2022.
Shania Twain and Harry Styles
Harry Styles cited Shania as his biggest influence in 'both music and fashion', with Harry being introduced to Shania's music through his mum, who is a fan. In 2022, the pair delighted festivalgoers at Coachella by performing together, with Shania joining Harry on stage to sing her hits 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman!' and 'You're Still The One.'
Speaking to Today, Shania revealed that she met Harry backstage at one of his concerts - with the pair quickly becoming friends. Shania said: "He was just really on his way up when I first met him.
"We stayed in touch ever since and then he invited me to the Coachella performance. We're just very easy together, it's like we've known each other for a very long time."
Watch Shania Twain and Harry Styles perform together at Coachella:
2023: 'Queen of Me'
In February 2023, Shania released her sixth studio album, 'Queen of Me'. The record topped the UK Albums chart, subsequently becoming Shania's third UK Number 1 album after 'Come On Over' in 1998 and 'Now' in 2017.
Speaking to Baylen Leonard on Absolute Radio Country, Shania said: "I wrote a ton of songs, I was very productive in the song writing during the two-year isolation.
"Once I got into the studio with producers, it was just 'wow, my God, this is finally happening' and all that excitement went into the album."
The album includes the singles 'Waking Up Dreaming', Last Day of Summer' and 'Giddy Up!'
Shania also announced the 'Queen of Me' tour in support of the album, which consists of 76 dates across North America and Europe and is her first tour since her 'Now' tour in 2018.
Full list of Shania Twain's 'Queen of Me' 2023 UK tour dates:
September 2023
Glasgow, OVO Hydro - Thu 14th
London, The O2 - Sat 16th
London, The O2 - Sun 17th
Glasgow, OVO Hydro - Fri 22nd
Glasgow, OVO Hydro - Sat 23rd
Manchester, AO Arena - Mon 25th
Birmingham, Utilita Arena - Tue 26th
Leeds, First Direct Arena - Thu 28th
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from AbsoluteRadioTickets.co.uk
Shania's Las Vegas residency
In August 2023, Shania announced she would be returning for a residency in Las Vegas. Her new residency called 'Come On Over' will start in May 2024, with tickets going on sale on Monday 21st August.
'The Woman in Me' album
Released in February 1995, 'The Woman in Me' is Shania's second studio album and the first to be produced by her long-time collaborator and ex-husband Robert John 'Mutt' Lange. The album was a huge success and has sold an estimated 20 million copies worldwide.
Shania was also awarded the Best Country Album Grammy in 1996 for 'The Woman in Me'.
Eight singles were released from the album, including 'Any Man of Mine', '(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!' and 'You Win My Love'.
'Come On Over' album
Shania's third album 'Come On Over' was released in November 1997 and is the biggest selling studio album in the UK by an international female artist. The record-breaking album is also the best-selling country music album and best-selling album of the 1990s.
'Come On Over's' remastered version
In celebration of the album's 25th anniversary and the milestone of reaching over 40 million global album sales, both the US and international versions of 'Come On Over' have been remastered and will be re-released on 25th August.
The album features smash hits including 'You're Still The One', 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' and 'That Don't Impress Me Much'. Out of the 16 tracks on the album, 12 were released as singles.
'Up!' album
'Up!' is Shania's fourth studio album, which was released in November 2002. Three versions of the album were released: a country version, a pop version and a version in the style of Indian film music.
The album reached Number 1 on the UK Country Albums chart and Number 4 on the UK Album Chart. The tour associated with the album saw Shania play in almost 100 arenas across the world.
'Up!' featured eight singles including 'I'm Gonna Getcha Good!', 'Forever and for Always' and 'She's Not Just a Pretty Face.'
Shania's hiatus followed by her fifth album 'Now'
Shania's fifth album, 'Now', was released in September 2017. The album was the first one to be released after Shania's hiatus from music due to suffering from a severely weakened singing voice as a result of Lyme disease and dysphonia.
At one point, Shania did not know if she would ever be able to sing again and subsequently underwent intense vocal rehabilitation.
'Now' features the singles 'Life's About To Get Good', 'Swingin' With My Eyes Closed', 'We Got Something They Don't' and 'Who's Gonna Be Your Girl'. The album debuted at Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
Las Vegas residencies
Shania has had two concert residencies in Las Vegas. She spent two years performing the 'Shania: Still the One' residency from December 2012 to December 2014, where she performed over 100 times.
The 'Let's Go!' residency began at the Zappos Theatre in Las Vegas on 6th December 2019 and was then put on hold due to the Covid pandemic and later resumed in December 2021.
TV and film appearances
Shania has made many TV and film appearances over the years. In addition to her judging role on the ITV show Starstruck, Shania has also enjoyed guest judging stints on American Idol, Dancing With The Stars and RuPaul's Drag Race.
In 2019, Shania starred alongside John Travolta in the film Trading Paint and in 2020 she featured in the film I Still Believe.
Starstruck
In 2023, Shania joined the judging panel on the ITV show Starstruck, as a permanent judge alongside Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford. The show is hosted by Olly Murs and sees members of the public transform into their musical heroes as they perform for a chance to win the show.
Does Shania Twain have a Netflix documentary?
She sure does! Shania's documentary, Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl was released in 2022 and features extensive interviews with Shania as she reflects on her life and career.
The 90-minute film includes footage from Shania's career over the years, as well as testimonials from country artists including Kelsea Ballerini and Orville Peck.
Is Shania Twain married?
She is! She married Frédéric Thiébaud in 2011. She was previously married to producer Robert John 'Mutt' Lange, who is the father of her son, Eja. Shania currently lives in Corseaux, Switzerland with her husband Frédéric.
Take a look at Shania's incredible career:
Early life and career
Shania was born Eilleen Regina Edwards. Her parents divorced when she was two-years-old and her mother married Jerry Twain - who adopted Shania and her two sisters. After signing with Mercury Nashville in 1992, the label didn't think that Eilleen Twain flowed as a stage name, leading her to change it to Shania.
Shania pursued singing and songwriting from a young age and was invited to perform on CBC's Tommy Hunter show at the age of 13. Whilst at school, Shania was the singer for a local band named Longshot, who performed covers. After graduating from Timmins High in June 1983, Shania was approached by a cover band called 'Flirt', which was led by Canadian country artist Diane Chase. Shania joined the band and toured around Ontario with them.
1993 - Shania releases her debut album
After signing with Mercury Nashville in 1992, Shania released her debut, self-titled album in April 1993. Prior to its release, Shania sang backing vocals for other artists.
The album featured the singles 'What Made You Say That', 'Dance With The One That Brought You' and 'You Lay A Whole Lot Of Love On Me'. Despite not achieving commercial success at the time of its release, following the success of Shania's subsequent albums, interest in the album grew and it is now certified Silver in the UK.
1995 - Shania releases second album 'The Woman In Me'
In February 1995, Shania released her second studio album, 'The Woman In Me.' It was the first to be produced by her long-time collaborator and ex-husband Robert John 'Mutt' Lange. The album went on to sell an estimated 20 million copies worldwide and included tracks such as 'You Win My Love', 'Any Man of Mine' and 'Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?'
1996 - Shania wins her first Grammy Award
In 1996, Shania won the Best Country Album Grammy award for her album 'The Woman In Me', this was her first Grammy Award. In the same year, Shania was also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for 'Any Man of Mine.'
'The Woman In Me' also won Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1996 in addition to picking up three gongs at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
1997 - Shania releases her third album
Shania released her hugely successful third album 'Come On Over' in November 1997. The album is recognised by Guinness World Records as the biggest-selling studio album by a solo female artist, selling over 40 million copies.
The album includes the singles 'You're Still The One', 'From This Moment On' and 'That Don't Impress Me Much' and is certified 11 x Platinum in the UK. Following its release, 'Come On Over' was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the Grammy Awards in 1999.
1999 - Shania wins more Grammy awards
Shania enjoyed more success at the Grammy awards in 1999, where she won Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her huge hit 'You're Still The One.'
Then, one year later in 2000, Shania enjoyed further success at the Grammys, winning Best Country Song for 'Come On Over' and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!'
2002 - Shania releases her fourth album
Shania's fourth album 'Up!' was released in November 2002. Three versions were released – a country version, pop version and a version in the style of Indian film music. The album reached Number 1 on the UK Country Albums chart and Number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. The tour which was associated with the album saw Shania play in almost 100 arenas across the world.
2004 - Shania releases her 'Greatest Hits' album
In November 2004, Shania released her 'Greatest Hits' album. The album contained 17 tracks from her studio albums, with the exception of her debut self-titled album. The album also featured three new tracks, 'Party For Two', 'Don't!' and 'I Ain't No Quitter.'
Shania's 'Greatest Hits' album is certified 3 x Platinum in the UK.
2005 - Shania releases the song 'Shoes'
In September 2005, Shania released the song 'Shoes', which was originally intended for use on the soundtrack for hit TV show Desperate Housewives, but ended up not being included. 'Shoes' charted at Number 29 on the US Hot Country Songs chart.
2005 - Music hiatus
After the release of her Greatest Hits album, Shania decided to take a musical hiatus in 2005. She later experienced vocal difficulties and dysphonia, which is an impaired ability to produce sound due to tightened muscles.
2011 - Shania releases 'Today Is Your Day'
In June 2011, Shania released 'Today Is Your Day', which was her first song release in over six years. The song was released in accompaniment to her American documentary series, Why Not? with Shania Twain.
2011 - Shania receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Shania pictured on 2nd June 2011 as she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her incredible accomplishments. Speaking at the time, Shania said: "I mean, why is a girl from Timmins, Ontario standing here, getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? I really don't know. Where I come from and where I am today - it's a small miracle to be honest, that I am here today.
"That is the truth of being a star. Our job is to make you happy and entertain you, come thick or thin - and I can tell you that I do that with the greatest of pleasure. Thank you all so much!"
2012 - Las Vegas residency
Shania's epic 'Shania: Still the One' Las Vegas residency began in December 2012. The residency went on until December 2014 and saw Shania perform over 100 times.
The residency was performed at The Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2017 - Shania performs at the US Open
Shania performed at the opening ceremony of the US Open tennis tournament at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City on 28th August 2017. She performed a medley of her greatest hits along with tracks from her album 'Now', which she was preparing to release the following month.
2017 - Shania releases her fifth album following a hiatus
Shania's fifth album 'Now' was released in September 2017. It was the first album to be released after her hiatus from music, which was due to suffering from a severely weakened singing voice as a result of Lyme disease and dysphonia.
'Now' features the singles 'Life's About To Get Good', 'Swingin' With My Eyes Closed', 'We Got Something They Don't' and 'Who's Gonna Be Your Girl'. The album debuted at Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
2019 - Shania performs at the American Music Awards
Shania delivered an unforgettable performance at the American Music Awards in November 2019, taking to the stage to perform a medley of her greatest hits. The phenomenal set included covers of songs by Taylor Swift and Post Malone in addition to tracks including 'Still The One' and 'That Don't Impress Me Much.'
2019 - Shania's second Las Vegas residency begins
Shania's second Las Vegas residency 'Let's Go!' began at the Zappos Theatre on 6th December 2019. It was subsequently put on hold as a result of the Covid pandemic and later resumed in December 2021.
2022 - Shania performs with Harry Styles
In April 2022, Shania joined Harry Styles on stage at Coachella Festival, performing her hits 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' and 'You're Still The One.'
Speaking to Today, Shania revealed that she met Harry backstage at one of his concerts - with the pair quickly becoming friends. Shania said: "He was just really on his way up when I first met him. We stayed in touch ever since and then he invited me to the Coachella performance. We're just very easy together, it's like we've known each other for a very long time."
2022 - Shania releases her Netflix documentary
Shania's Netflix documentary 'Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl' was released on 26th July 2022 and includes extensive interviews with Shania as she reflects on her life and career. The documentary details Shania's childhood and shares an insight into her journey to stardom.
2022 - Shania receives the Academy of Country Music's Poet's Award
In August 2022, Shania received the Poet's Award during the Academy of Country Music Honours Awards Show in Nashville. The accolade recognised Shania's incredible songwriting talent. Other artists who have received the award include Loretta Lynn, Shel Silverstein and Sonny Throckmorton.
2022 - Shania inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
In October 2022, Shania was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the contemporary songwriter/artist category. The other individuals that were also inducted at the ceremony were Hillary Lindsay, Steve Wariner, Gary Nicholson, David Molloy and the late Chips Moman.
2023 - Shania releases her album 'Queen of Me'
Shania released her sixth studio album 'Queen of Me' in February 2023. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and became Shania's third UK Number 1 album. She also announced that she will be heading to the UK on tour in September 2023.
2023 - Shania becomes a judge on ITV's Starstruck
In February 2023, Shania joined the judging panel on the ITV show Starstruck, appearing alongside fellow judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford. The show is hosted by Olly Murs and sees members of the public transform into their favourite music artists.
2023 - Shania works with Anne-Marie
In May 2023, Shania teamed up with Anne-Marie on the track 'Unhealthy', which features on Anne-Marie's album of the same name. The song became Shania's 12th UK Top 20 single after peaking at Number 18.
2023 - Remastered edition of 'Come On Over' is released
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of 'Come On Over' and the milestone of reaching over 40 million global album sales, both the US and international versions of 'Come On Over' have been remastered and were re-released in August.
2023 - Shania completes 'Queen Of Me' UK tour dates
Throughout September 2023, Shania delighted fans as she completed the UK leg of her 'Queen Of Me' tour. Dates began on Thursday 14th September, with her performing dates in London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham, before finishing the string of shows on Thursday 28th September in Leeds.
2023 - Shania joins Foo Fighters on stage
On 7th October 2023, we got the collab we never knew we needed, as Shania joined rock giants Foo Fighters on stage to belt out their hit 'Best of You'. Performing their headline set at Austin City Limits in Texas, Shania joined the band on stage and shared vocal duties with lead singer Dave Grohl. Check out the moment here on X (formerly Twitter).
2024 - Shania is honoured with her own Barbie doll
To celebrate International Women's Day 2024, a special Shania Twain Barbie doll was released. The doll wears a black top hat and outfit, reminiscent of her 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' music video.
2024 - Shania announced for the Legends slot at Glastonbury
In March 2024, Shania was announced to perform in the Legends slot at the iconic festival. The singer said: 'Another jewel in my crown!! 👑 I feel so honoured and so excited about this one!'
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