Ah Shania. Canada’s Country Queen. The Canadian Tire Centre was packed on Monday night as Shania Twain made a NOW tour stop in Ottawa.

The crowd was filled with a mix of people who were all there for the same show. From older fans who were adults when she first started releasing music in the 90s to others like myself who grew up listening to her music as a kid. Super fans arrived dressed in her signature looks, leopard prints, long jackets and thigh high boots.

A solo artist from Switzerland opened the show with a minimal acoustic set. He, his guitar, and his voice all managed to become an instant heart throb for the fans waiting for the main act. Quickly learning his catchy songs, the audience was able to sing along. They quickly fell for him, screaming his name while he chatted up the audience in between songs.

Bastian Baker at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Photo by Els Durnford (@elsdurnford)

Shania finally took the stage after what sounded like an epic drum solo to start her set (we were anxiously waiting in the wings for her to take the stage). Unable to see what exactly was happening from backstage, the sound quickly amped the crowd up for her entrance onto the main stage. Her long sequin silver dress made her entrance all the more dramatic and queen like. Her stage set up included large moving light boxes that held up band members, and eventually even her, as they lifted her well into the ceiling of the Canadian Tire Centre. Her band played around her has she was lifted higher and higher for, of course, the song Up.

Shania Twain at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Photo by Els Durnford (@elsdurnford)

Quick costume and set arrangement changes kept the show active and fun. I’m still in awe at her ability to run the stage and dance all while wearing 9 inch platforms. Seriously, how Shania? Teach us your ways. Anyway… she quickly changed from gowns to body suits for classics like That Don’t Impress Me Much.The energy of her set continued from start to finish. Everything from dancing with her back-up dancers to being lifted across the arena on a swing while playing acoustic guitar. All in all, it was a crazy night of entertainment. I am very happy to cross Shania off my musical bucket list. My apologizes to everyone who got to hear me singing pre and post show. Actually no, sorry not sorry. This girl is embracing her inner Shania Queendom.