Shania Twain delivered a show-stopping performance during the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, where she was being honored with the Music Icon Award.
On Tuesday evening (Dec. 6), the country superstar performed a medley of her greatest hits as well as a new song from her forthcoming sixth album, Queen of Me.
Twain took to the People’s Choice Awards stage for the first time since 2005 and demanded the crowd’s attention with her powerhouse vocals, visually stunning production and her dazzling looks throughout the performance.
The performance kicked off with Twain’s fan-favorite 1995 hit, “Any Man Of Mine.” Surrounded by fire and donning an all red leather ensemble, Twain put her soaring vocals on full display and was accompanied by several dancers, two of whom who were riding mechanical bulls. Twain then unveiled her new pink hair as she entered the stage with eight dancers, who were wearing animal print bodysuits, to perform “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”
During “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” Twain changed the song’s famous “Brad Pitt” lyric to fellow Canadian and the People’s Icon award recipient, Ryan Reynolds, who was present in the crowd and had the best reaction when she dropped his name in the song.
This Ryan Reynolds shoutout really was something special. #PCAs pic.twitter.com/STQtnI4YQI
— E! News (@enews) December 7, 2022
The arena went dark and lasers filled the room as Twain launched into her latest single “Wake Up Dreaming,” while wearing a bedazzled skin toned bodysuit. She concluded her performance with her iconic hit “Man! I Feel Like A Woman.” Twain sparkled as she belted out the lyrics to the award-winning hit, which got Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood out of their seats and dancing in the audience.
Following her jaw-dropping performance, Twain was presented with the Music Icon Award from her friend, Actor Billy Porter.
“Oh my gosh, this is such a privilege and a dream! Am I dreaming? Thank you so much for presenting me with this award and highlighting my work for having a significant impact,” Twain began. “I don’t know if that’s the right thing to say, but it’s always my wish to inspire people with my music.
“I always miss my mother at these moments my life. She would have loved watching her little girl living this moment right now. But my fans, my friends, my team — you are the ones, who really fill that space… not my mother’s space. But you’re here with me, you’re celebrating, we’re celebrating together, and you’ve made me feel loved and special my whole working life. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
“From a very young age I turned to songwriting as a form of escapism,” she continued. “This is my go-to place. It never occurred to me how powerful lyrics can become when you are able to record and share them with the world. The biggest honor is that people have found strength and inspiration in my work. Thank you and I love you for that.”
The legendary country star ended her heartfelt speech with a motivational message for her younger fans.
“I just want to say: Giddy-up, kids. Embrace your individuality and your crazy ideas,” Twain added. “Just be brave. Let’s remember, there is power in numbers, we are in this together, love is love, and when a door slams in your face, take a freaking run and leap at your door and kick it down! You won’t regret it.”
“All I have to say is: Be the queen of you,” the 57-year-old singer concluded, while referencing the title of her upcoming sixth studio album, Queen of Me.
I am unbelievably excited to announce 'Queen Of Me' – the new album and tour.https://t.co/XNlVknuioT pic.twitter.com/2t8rxqaiA1
— Shania Twain 💎💎💎 (@ShaniaTwain) October 28, 2022
Queen Of Me arrives on February 3, 2023. The 12-track project features previously released tunes “Waking Up Dreaming,” “Not Just A Girl,” “Last Day Of Summer” and more. The album marks Twain’s first full-length offering and record since 2017, and her official debut for her new label partner Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records.
“Right now, I’m feeling very comfortable in my own skin – and this album reflects that musically. Life is short and I want to be uplifted, colorful, unapologetic and empowered,” Twain explained of the project on Twitter. ”I want to carry a clear message, particularly as a woman, to always remember my power and I hope the songs are a reminder to you, of that same power inside you!”
In addition to Twain’s show-stopping performance, Lauren Spencer Smith also performed during the 2022 People’s Choice Awards.
Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer, Billy Porter, Colin Hanks, David Spade, Dwyane Wade, George Lopez, Heidi Klum, Laverne Cox, Lil Rel Howery, Mayan Lopez, McKenna Grace, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nikki Glaser, Sarah Hyland, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and The Miz & Maryse were on hand to present during the star-studded ceremony.
Additionally, The 2022 People’s Choice Awards honored Ryan Reynolds with the People’s Icon Award and Emmy and Grammy award-winning superstar Lizzo with the People’s Champion Award.
Hosted by Kenan Thompson, the 2022 People’s Choice Awards‘ aired Tuesday (Dec. 6) at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and E! from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
