The pink-haired Canadian country diva sang a medley of songs in addition to her brand-new tune, “Waking While Dreaming,” and she also accepted the Music Icon award.
When she accepted the award and gave a medley of her hits at Tuesday’s (Dec. 6) People’s Choice Awards, Shania Twain demonstrated why she is a Music Icon.
One of the most memorable moments of her performance, which featured her breakout 1995 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Any Man of Mine,” her crossover late-’90s pop smashes “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” as well as her most recent single “Waking Up Dreaming,” was when the pink-haired singer substituted a fellow Canadian star for the infamous spoken-word “Brad Pitt” line from “Impress.”
As the cameras went to the shocked Deadpool actor, who was present to win the People’s Icon award later in the evening, she added snarkily, “OK, so you’re Ryan Reynolds!” From the audience, Reynolds mouthed, “Oh my God, me?!” Twain gave a moving acceptance speech as she accepted the Music Icon award from her friend, actor Billy Porter, in addition to performing.
Is this a dream? I truly am, I believe,” she said. “Thank you so much for honouring me with this award and for emphasising the importance of my work. It’s always been my goal to inspire people with my music, but I’m not sure whether that’s the appropriate thing to say. At this time in my life, I always miss my mother. She would have adored seeing her young daughter currently experiencing this moment. But you, my supporters, friends, and team, are who actually fill that void. Although this is not my mother’s space, you are with me and are celebrating with me. You have always made me feel valued and special throughout my working life.
She continued, “I used songwriting as a method of escape from a very young age. “This is my favourite spot. I had no idea how potent lyrics might be when you have the ability to record them and share them with the entire world. Being appreciated as a songwriter is a huge honour. The fact that individuals have found courage and inspiration in what I have to sing and in my art, however, is the greatest honour for me. I appreciate you for it, so thank you.”
She also emphasised her status as a fashion icon, pointing out that previously in her career, she was merely putting together ensembles using what she had. “I simply went to my wardrobe and chose whatever was there, or I went to a clothes shop and chose the reasonably priced items, as I didn’t have a large budget. I basically sliced, pulled, and chopped while hoping for the best with that, a good pair of scissors, and a huge imagination.
Shania encouraged her youthful audience as she wrapped off her address. “All I have to say is, “Giddy up, kids. Accept your uniqueness and wild ideas. Simply be brave. Remember that there is strength in numbers, we are all in it together, love is love, and when a door slams in your face, run, jump, and kick it down! You won’t be sorry.
She closed, tipping her cowboy hat to her impending sixth studio album, Queen of Me, due on February 3, 2023, with the words “All I have to say is: Be the queen of you.