Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shania Twain

Discover the career path of Shania Twain, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Shania Twain, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold. Notably, she is the best-selling female artist in country music history. Dubbed the "Queen of Country Pop", Twain spearheaded the 1990s country-pop crossover, achieving widespread success and solidifying her place as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: Early Recognition

In 1984, Shania Twain's talents were noticed by Toronto DJ Stan Campbell, who wrote about her in a Country Music News article. She was also featured on the backing vocals of the song "Heavy on the Sunshine" by Tim Denis.

1991: Recording Contract and Immigration

In 1991, Shania Twain was offered a recording contract in Nashville and applied for immigration status into the United States.

1992: Backing Vocals for Jeff Chance

In 1992, shortly before the release of her debut album, Shania Twain sang backing vocals for other Mercury artists, including on Jeff Chance's album Walk Softly on the Bridges.

April 20, 1993: Release of Debut Album

On April 20, 1993, Shania Twain's self-titled debut album was released in North America, marking her entry into audiences outside Canada. The album reached No. 67 on the US Country Albums Chart.

June 1993: Met Robert John "Mutt" Lange

In June 1993, Shania Twain met Robert John "Mutt" Lange at Nashville's Fan Fair and became close, after having spoken on the phone for many months.

June 1993: Meeting with Mutt Lange

In June 1993, Shania Twain met rock producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange at Nashville's Fan Fair after he offered to produce and write songs with her. They had spoken on the phone prior to the meeting after he heard her original songs and singing from her debut album.

1993: Debut Album Release and Early Career

In 1993, Shania Twain's self-titled debut studio album was released by Mercury Nashville Records, but it was a commercial failure upon release. In 1993, she also sang backing vocals for Jeff Chance's album Walk Softly on the Bridges and Sammy Kershaw's album Haunted Heart.

February 7, 1995: Release of 'The Woman in Me'

On February 7, 1995, Shania Twain released her second studio album, 'The Woman in Me', which she co-wrote with Mutt Lange. Of the twelve tracks on the album, eight were released as singles.

1995: Breakthrough with 'The Woman in Me'

In 1995, Shania Twain rose to fame with her second studio album, 'The Woman in Me', after collaborating with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. The album achieved widespread success, selling over 20 million copies globally and featuring hit singles like "Any Man of Mine."

1996: Newsweek Defends Shania Twain's Vocal Abilities

In 1996, Newsweek defended Shania Twain from detractors who attributed her refusal to tour at the time to her inability to replicate her studio singing live, describing it as "a warm, languid alto sweetened with a wisp of bedroom allure".

1996: "No One Needs to Know" in 'Twister' Soundtrack

In 1996, Shania Twain's song "No One Needs to Know" was selected for the original soundtrack of the film 'Twister'.

1997: Release of 'Come On Over' Album

In 1997, Shania Twain released her follow-up album, 'Come On Over', which established her as a successful crossover singer. Twelve of the sixteen tracks on the album were released as singles.

1997: Global Success with 'Come On Over'

In 1997, Shania Twain's third studio album, 'Come On Over', was released. It became the best-selling studio album by a female solo artist, the best-selling country album, and one of the world's best-selling albums, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. The album produced twelve singles, including "You're Still the One" and "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!"

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1998: European Breakthrough with 'Come On Over'

In 1998, 'Come On Over' was released in a remixed format for the European market, leading to a major breakthrough for Shania Twain in Europe. The album went to No. 1 on the UK album charts for 11 weeks and became the biggest selling album of the year in the UK.

1998: Launch of First Major Concert Tour

In 1998, Shania Twain launched her first major concert tour, 'The Come On Over Tour', which was a success and won the "Country Tour of the Year" award.

1999: Most Played Adult Contemporary Artist

In 1999, Billboard magazine declared Shania Twain the most played adult contemporary artist on US radio.

1999: "Country Tour of the Year" award

In 1999, Shania Twain won the "Country Tour of the Year" by Pollstar Concert Industry Awards for the Come On Over Tour.

1999: Platinum Certification of Debut Album

In 1999, Shania Twain's self-titled debut album was certified platinum by the RIAA, denoting sales of over 1 million copies, due to the increased interest generated by her later success.

2000: Christmas Album Plans Cancelled

In 2000, Shania Twain was initially scheduled to release a Christmas album, but plans were cancelled later in the year.

2002: Release of 'Up!' Album

In 2002, Shania Twain released her fourth studio album, 'Up!', which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and was certified Diamond in the United States. The album featured hit singles like "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!", "Ka-Ching!" and "Forever and for Always".

2003: Hosting the Juno Awards

In 2003, Shania Twain hosted the Juno Awards, noticeably void of diva behaviour despite persistent rumours of outrageous antics and demands at the time.

2004: Double Diamond Certification for 'Come On Over'

As of 2004, 'Come on Over' has sold over 20 million copies in the United States, being certified Double Diamond by the RIAA.

2004: Appearance in I Heart Huckabees

In 2004, Shania Twain appeared as herself in the feature film I Heart Huckabees.

2004: Greatest Hits Album and Hiatus

In 2004, Shania Twain released her 'Greatest Hits' album, which included the single "Party for Two". Following the release, Twain entered a hiatus due to being diagnosed with Lyme disease and dysphonia, which weakened her singing voice.

January 2005: Collaboration with Scentstories by Febreze

In January 2005, Shania Twain joined Scentstories by Febreze to create a limited edition scent disc with the proceeds going to Feeding America, formerly America's Second Harvest.

2007: Diamond Certification for 'The Woman in Me'

As of 2007, 'The Woman in Me' album had sold more than 12 million copies in the United States, achieving Diamond certification by the RIAA.

November 12, 2008: Surprise Presenter at the 42nd CMA Awards

On November 12, 2008, Shania Twain made her first television appearance since her split from Lange, where she appeared as a surprise presenter at the 42nd CMA Awards.

2009: Guest Judge on American Idol

In 2009, Shania Twain served as a guest judge on American Idol for the show's August 30 and 31 episodes.

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April 2010: Plans Announced for TV Show: Why Not? with Shania Twain

In April 2010, Shania Twain announced plans for her own TV show, titled Why Not? with Shania Twain.

2010: Creation of Shania Kids Can Charity

In 2010, Shania Twain created Shania Kids Can, a charity designed to address the needs of neglected children who are frequently overlooked by social assistance programs.

March 27, 2011: Publication of Autobiography: From This Moment On

On March 27, 2011, Shania Twain's autobiography, From This Moment On, was published.

May 8, 2011: Why Not? with Shania Twain Debuts on OWN

On May 8, 2011, Shania Twain's TV show, titled Why Not? with Shania Twain, debuted on OWN.

2011: Return with 'Today Is Your Day' and Autobiography

In 2011, Shania Twain released her first single in six years, "Today Is Your Day", and published her autobiography, 'From This Moment On', chronicling her vocal rehabilitation.

2011: Displeasure with debut album

In her 2011 autobiography From This Moment On, Shania Twain expressed displeasure with her debut studio album, revealing that she had very little creative control and was frustrated with being unable to showcase her songwriting abilities.

2014: End of Las Vegas Residency

In 2014, Shania Twain's exclusive concert residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, titled 'Shania: Still the One', came to an end after a successful run.

2015: 'Rock This Country Tour'

In 2015, Shania Twain launched the North American 'Rock This Country Tour', which was billed as her farewell tour.

September 2017: Guest Star on Broad City

In September 2017, Shania Twain guest starred as herself on the Comedy Central series Broad City, in an episode titled "Twaining Day".

October 23, 2017: Guest Judge and Performer on Dancing with the Stars

On October 23, 2017, Shania Twain appeared as a guest judge in the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars during the show's "Movie Night" and performed her song "Soldier".

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2017: Release of 'Now' Album

In 2017, Shania Twain released her first studio album in 15 years, titled 'Now'.

January 2018: Competed on Drop the Mic

In January 2018, Shania Twain competed against singer Meghan Trainor in an episode of TBS's Drop the Mic.

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June 21, 2018: Lip Sync Battle Tribute Episode

On June 21, 2018, Shania Twain was guest of honour for a Lip Sync Battle episode on Paramount Network pitting Derek Hough against Nicole Scherzinger that was dedicated to her and her music.

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November 2018: Executive Producer and Co-Presenter on Real Country

In November 2018, Shania Twain appeared in the reality talent show Real Country, as an executive producer and co-presenter with Jake Owen and Travis Tritt.

2018: Guest Judge on Rupaul's Drag Race

In 2018, Shania Twain appeared as a guest judge on episode five of the 10th Season of Rupaul's Drag Race.

2018: Now Tour Begins

In 2018, Shania Twain embarked on the 'Now Tour' following the release of her album 'Now'.

2019: Appearance in the Film Trading Paint

In 2019, Shania Twain appeared in the film Trading Paint, co-starring alongside John Travolta.

2019: Second Las Vegas Residency

In 2019, Shania Twain began her second Las Vegas residency, titled 'Let's Go!', at the Zappos Theater.

2019: Expressed interest in collaborating with Post Malone

In 2019, Shania Twain expressed interest in collaborating with Post Malone, claiming to have written a song for the two of them.

2020: Role in the Film I Still Believe

In 2020, Shania Twain played the role of the mother of singer Jeremy Camp in the biographical film I Still Believe.

2023: Panelist on ITV's Starstruck and Appearance on The Kardashians

In 2023, Shania Twain appeared on the panel for the second series of ITV's Starstruck and in season four, episode seven of the reality series The Kardashians.

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2023: Release of 'Queen of Me' and Tour

In 2023, Shania Twain released her sixth studio album, 'Queen of Me', and embarked on the 'Queen of Me Tour'.

May 2, 2024: Appearance in Netflix Series A Man in Full

On May 2, 2024, Shania Twain appeared on the first episode of the Netflix series A Man in Full, a six-episode limited television series adaptation of the novel with Regina King as director and executive producer and David E. Kelley as showrunner.