Everything you need to know about Shania Twain's incredible career
She's a country music icon!
Last updated 18th Jul 2024
It’s safe to say that country music legend Shania Twain has had an incredible career - and she shows no signs of slowing down yet! Having sold over 100 million records, Shania is one of the best-selling artists of all time in addition to being the best-selling female artist in country music history.
Shania’s phenomenal success has her dubbed the "Queen of Country Pop"... And quite rightly too. Take a look at some of her biggest career moments so far, from her early success to her latest album, 'Queen of Me' and Glastonbury 2024 Legends performance.
Take a look at some of Shania Twain's biggest career moments:
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!'
2024 - Shania performs the Legends slot at Glasto
As if it was ever in doubt that Shania would put on one of the best Glasto performances we've ever seen! Taking to the stage for the legends slot, she performed 15 of her hits back-to-back, including 'That Don't Impress Me Much', 'You're Still The One' and 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!'. Taking to Instagram after the event, she paid tribute to her fans: 'Wow glastofest that felt amazing!!! 140,000 people scream singing MAN! I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN! was an experience I will never forget. Thank you so so so so much. I'm officially a Glastonbury legend - and super fan!! 😝.' (sic)
2024 - BST Hyde Park performance
Just a week later, Shania performed at BST Hyde Park in London, again taking to Instagram to thank her fans for seeing her perform: 'Smiles for miles in London for bsthydepark! You guys were WILD… and you didn't sound half bad as my Honey, I'm Home choir either 😜 Thank you for such a special night to end the tour and in a magical setting, I mean c'mon a HUGE TREE onstage?! That was awesome!! 🌲😍.' (sic)
Now read:
Everything you need to know about country legend Shania Twain
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