In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Shania Twain, the iconic singer-songwriter, shared the inspiring setlist for her upcoming 2023 tour. It’s a collection of songs that she thought she would never sing again just five years ago. This is a testament to her strength and resilience, as she had to overcome numerous obstacles to get back on stage.
Twain’s journey back to singing has been filled with dedication and hard work. She now has a demanding schedule, juggling daily practices and managing every detail from lighting to costumes. She admits that her days are long, but if anyone can handle it, it’s Shania Twain. She has already endured unimaginable sorrow and misery.
Her path to success has been far from easy. From a childhood of poverty to challenging the patriarchal views of a male-dominated industry, Twain has never backed down. Her triumphant album release and return to the stage after a period that would have crushed most artists are a testament to her iron will, forged through a lifetime of suffering.
Twain’s struggles began from the moment she was born. In her autobiography, “From This Moment On,” she reveals the heart-wrenching story of her traumatic breech birth. The doctor had given her mother a cigarette, believing that her baby had not survived. Against all odds, Twain took her first breath and defied death.
Originally named Eilleen Regina Edwards, Twain was her mother’s second child and the first with her husband, Clarence Edwards. Twain’s older sister, Jill, was born shortly after their mother’s fiancé died in a car accident. Unfortunately, Twain’s parents’ marriage was no happier. They split when she was a young child, and she often wondered if her father cared about her.
Twain’s mother eventually remarried when she was about to enter kindergarten. Jerry Twain, an Ojibway Native, had a vibrant personality and made everyone laugh with his jokes and pranks. But behind closed doors, Twain realized that her parents had a violent relationship, despite her stepfather’s virtues.
Twain has been remarkably open about the poverty she and her family endured during her upbringing. In a conversation with Hoda Kotb on “Making Space with Hoda Kotb,” she shared heartbreaking anecdotes of growing up in Canada without warm clothing or waterproof boots. She had to make up excuses for skipping lunch.
In her memoir, “From This Moment On,” Twain reveals that her family’s constant financial difficulties eventually led to physical abuse. She recounts one instance where her stepfather slammed her mother’s head against the basin, knocking her unconscious. It was likely that her mother was nagging him about not having enough money for groceries. Jerry even once inserted her mother’s head into the toilet bowl during a fight.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. They provide support, resources, and information to help those in need.
Shania Twain’s journey is a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, we can rise above our challenges and shine brightly. With her upcoming tour, she continues to inspire audiences with her powerful voice and indomitable spirit.
