The 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival had its share of memorable moments, but one that stood out was the long-anticipated performance by the queen of country-pop herself, Shania Twain. From the minute she strutted onto the stage, clad in a shimmering, sequined ensemble that caught the stage lights just right, it was clear that Twain was there to remind everyone why she was still one of the best in the business.
Twain kicked off her set with “Waking Up Dreaming,” a track from her latest album, “Queen of Me.” This opener felt like an introduction to the new Shania—confident, revitalized, and ready to take her audience on a journey that blends her classic hits with fresh, new sounds. As she belted out the opening lines, her vocals were strong and spirited, setting the tone for an hour and a half of a show that would mix the nostalgia of the ‘90s with an unapologetically modern twist.
After the uplifting start, Twain dived into “Up!” and “Don’t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You).” These songs, from her 2002 album of the same name, immediately took the crowd on a nostalgic trip back to the days when these tracks dominated the charts. The fans—some sporting cowboy hats, others rocking glittery tops reminiscent of Twain’s iconic look—sang along word for word. Shania’s connection with the crowd was heartfelt. You could see her feeding off their energy, responding with a performance that was both polished and spontaneous.
“I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” kept the momentum high, her backing band driving the tempo with a mix of rock guitars and electronic beats. Twain’s band deserves a mention here; they were tight, bringing a rock edge to even her most pop-infused tracks. When she transitioned into the upbeat “Come on Over,” it felt like a direct invitation to the crowd to let loose and dance—and they did. Couples twirled, and a sea of fans from every generation jumped and danced in unison, embodying the joy of live music’s return.
One of the more intimate moments came when Twain stripped it back with an acoustic rendition of “You’re Still the One.” The audience grew quiet, swaying gently to the soft strums of the guitar. With her voice softer, more raw, she delivered the song with a sincerity that made it feel as though she was singing to each person in the crowd individually. The lyrics, which have become something of a modern-day love anthem, resonated deeply; couples held each other close, and you could see tears glistening in a few eyes.
Twain didn’t shy away from showcasing her newer material either. “Giddy Up!” from her 2023 album brought a fresh, upbeat vibe that melded surprisingly well with her older catalog. The song felt like a declaration from Twain: She’s still here, still evolving, and still creating music that can bring a crowd to their feet.
A definite highlight was her duet with BRELAND on “Party for Two.” Twain introduced BRELAND, calling him “a young star with a lot of heart,” and the chemistry between the two was electric. Their playful exchange of verses brought a contemporary feel to the song, and the crowd loved every second of it. BRELAND’s addition added a bit of soul and flair to Twain’s country-pop roots, and it’s moments like these that showed Twain’s willingness to embrace new influences and genres.
One more humorous and memorable moment came during “Rock This Country!” Twain got a few bars in before stopping suddenly and laughing, “Oooh we’re gonna start that one over again!” She restarted the song with even more enthusiasm, and it seemed to set the audience on fire, feeding off her playful energy.
Throughout the performance, Twain was in a chatty mood, engaging with the audience with anecdotes and reflections. Her banter with the crowd was natural and warm, filled with a sense of humility and appreciation that made the experience feel like an intimate gathering rather than a festival with thousands in attendance. She took a moment to express her gratitude, saying, “I’ve missed you all so much. Performing live, feeling this connection—it’s something I’ll never take for granted again.” The crowd roared in response, a shared acknowledgment of the isolation of recent years and the joy of coming together through music once more.
As the set drew to a close, Twain powered through a flurry of her most recognizable hits. “That Don’t Impress Me Much” had everyone singing the chorus at the top of their lungs, while “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” served as the ultimate feminist anthem, with fans of all genders belting out the lyrics in solidarity. Her voice, still powerful after all these years, soared over the crowd, proving that while time might pass, some things—like Twain’s stage presence and vocal prowess—remain timeless.
Shania Twain’s set at Austin City Limits 2023 was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a testament to her resilience and relevance in the ever-changing landscape of popular music. She managed to bridge the gap between nostalgia and modernity, all while giving a performance that was heartfelt, energetic, and downright fun. Whether you came for the classics or were curious about her new material, Twain delivered on all fronts. It was a performance that proved why she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the world of music—one that doesn’t just ride on past glories but looks forward with as much excitement and passion as ever.
