Review: Shania Twain Ends QUEEN OF ME Tour in Vancouver!

From “That Don’t Impress Me Much” to “Any Man of Mine” and “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” country music fan or not, it’s nearly impossible to not know at least one song in Shania Twain’s discography. Ever since her debut studio album released in 1993 entitled, “Shania Twain,” she has dominated the country music scene hit after hit. Eventually releasing 6 successful studio albums to date with over 100 million records sold worldwide and 5 Grammy Awards under her belt, Shania has had an incredible career so far. As a Canadian cultural icon with immense music chart-topping success, Shania continues to attract audiences wherever she goes with both her greatest hits and new music. 

Beginning in April of this year, Shania Twain began her 5th headlining concert tour. Named the “Queen of Me” tour after her most recent 6th studio album of the same name, this was Shania’s return to the stage after nearly five years. The tour began in Spokane on April 28th with shows in both North America and Europe including 2 stops in Vancouver back in May. After adding more dates due to high demand, Shania ultimately decided to add a 2nd leg to the tour which started in October and ended last week at Rogers Arena. 

Photo Credit: CSE

Canadian country music singer Tenille Townes opened for Shania during this leg of the tour. Hailing from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Townes attended Shania’s Up! Tour when she was 9 years old and was given an opportunity to sing with her on stage. Several years later, now as a rising country music star, Townes and Twain united again, proving that dreams really do come true. To open the show, Townes performed several of her hit songs such as “Somebody’s Daughter” and included a cover of “Come Together” by The Beatles. Later on, after Shania hit the stage, Townes returned to sing the hit duet, “Party For Two” with her. 

Photo Credit: CSE

While the tour was intended to support her latest “Queen of Me” studio album, the concerts were also an overall celebration of the music, artistry, stories, and talent of Shania’s entire career. Playing only 3 songs from her new album including, “Waking Up Dreaming,” “Giddy Up!” and “Pretty Liar,” the show had a heavy emphasis on her greatest hits. With songs such as “Up!” “Don’t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You),” “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” and “Honey, I’m Home,” pumping up the crowd, no one seemed too disappointed that a verse from the song behind the tour name, “Queen of Me,” was only sung briefly (and acoustically) by Shania for a short moment. 

Photo Credit: CSE

The show began with a performance of, “Waking Up Dreaming,” from her newest album. Despite starting the show a little later than usual, the excitement level was still high amongst the audience and escalated even more when Shania appeared within the audience on the floor level to start the show. Giving attendees an up close and personal performance was an experience of a lifetime for fans that were lucky enough to be within a few feet of her. 

Photo Credit: CSE

Photo Credit: CSE

The staging of the show was simple. There were no pull out walkways or secondary stages, just one stage with two levels accompanied by large screens for added projection and effects. This was definitely simpler than previous tours; however, it emphasized Shania’s ability to put on a good show without all the flashy gimmicks and excessive special effects. Her live band and two male back-up dancers were the perfect touch, giving her the right amount of support to let her shine. Although Shania did not change outfits during the show, fans didn’t seem to mind. She spent most of her time focusing on the music and fan experience. 

Photo Credit: CSE

For her last show, Shania gave an overall solid vocal performance. Having been through a lot with her voice in the past, it was understandable that it has changed over the years. Some songs such as “Any Man of Mine” were taken down an octave to allow Shania to comfortably hit the required notes, which was fine and still got the crowd singing and dancing along. Perhaps one of my favorite moments of the show was when she sang, “Still The One.” Both acoustically and with musical accompaniment, Shania proved that she still had that spark and distinctive voice that people fell in love with many years ago when she sang this song for the first time. 

Photo Credit: CSE

Throughout the show, Shania brought a few lucky fans onto the stage for a few surprises. The first being a mother and daughter hailing from White Rock, BC. Shania brought out the original iconic leopard outfit from her “That Don’t Impress Me Much” music video and let both of them try it on. Later in the show, a fan that had seen Shania 13 times (and counting) was given the opportunity to sing with her on stage. No matter what, it was evident that Shania genuinely cared about her fans and wanted to give back to them for supporting her and her career after all the years of being in the spotlight. 

Photo Credit: CSE

Shania Twain’s Queen of Me tour was an unforgettable experience. Her infectious energy, electrifying stage presence, and love for her fans has not faded, but grown with time. Traveling through the journey of her career, hit after hit, was a musical celebration that hit home for both longtime and newcomer fans. Canada will always love Shania Twain … forever and for always. 

Shania Twain concluded her Queen of Me Tour in Vancouver, BC on November 14th, 2023 at Rogers Arena. Her Las Vegas Residency at the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood entitled “Come on Over: The Las Vegas Residency - All The Hits!” will commence in May of 2024. For more information about the residency and to purchase tickets, visit the link below! 

Photos: Shania Twain on the Queen of Me Tour in Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena on November 14th, 2023. Photo Credits: CSE.

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