Written By: Ashley Friedman
Shania Twain proved once again why she’s known as the Queen of Country-Pop during her Queen of Me tour stop in Buffalo, NY. The singer-songwriter took the stage at KeyBank Center to perform some of her best hits. Twain was accompanied by award-winning country singer, Lily Rose.
Twain’s entrance was nothing short of grandiose. As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s excitement reached its peak, Twain appeared in the middle of the crowd, adorned in a yellow scarf, black coat, and sunglasses. A timeless and perfect disguise at its finest. The audience erupted in cheers as she started the night with her classic hit love song, “Waking Up Dreaming.”
Twain then dives into “Up!” as she bounces around on stage, the lyrics “Oh, I’m goin’ up, up, up, up,” echos throughout the crowd. “Don’t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)” and “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” and the ultimate classic “Come On Over” are soon to follow.
One of the standout aspects of Twain’s performance was her powerful and dynamic voice. Of course, I didn’t expect anything less. She effortlessly moved from each energetic country anthem to heartfelt ballads like “You’re Still The One,” a song on a relationship that, despite its ups and downs, there was always a knowing that the love would remain true, strong, and forever. We see that in lyrics like, ‘”We mighta took the long way / We knew we’d get there someday.”‘
Twain dives into her song, “Giddy Up,” and soon to follow “Any Man Of Mine,” which serves as a guideline for men out there to abide by in order to keep their women happy. As no surprise, Twain carries into “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” an absolute classic for women who are suspicious and trying to figure out if their man has been unfaithful in every aspect.
Her vocals were as strong and captivating as ever, proving that she’s still at the top of her game after all these years, it’s as if she never left the industry. Throughout the night, the stage transformed with each song, creating a visual spectacle that perfectly complemented the music. Twain’s band was exceptional, with each musician showcasing their talent and adding a layer of excitement to the show.
“Honey I’m Home,” “Rock This Country” and mashups of songs “Nah!,” “She’s Not Just a Pretty Face,” “Waiter! Bring Me Water!,” “When,” “Thank You Baby! (For Makin’ Someday Come So Soon).
“Pretty Liar,” was next up with the lyrics, “Lie, lie, lie, lie-lie / Oh, your pants are on fire (your pants are on fire) / You’re such a f*cking liar (such a f*cking liar) (liar).” Let’s be real, the song was a perfect anthem for anyone in the crowd who knows what it’s like to be lied to by a pretty face.
Probably one of my favorite moments was when we heard the intro for “From This Moment On.” I remember being a little kid and singing this at the top of my lungs with my Mom. During this concert, I was able to replay that moment years later with my Mom by my side. Thank you.
The concert wasn’t just about the music; Twain also interacted with the audience bringing folks on stage. In this show, Twain brings up a 15-year-old with the “moo pants” on. Shy and taken back, the teenager was blown away when Twain asked her to sing with her as Twain sang the words, ‘”You’re My Best Friend.”‘ The teenager, soon to sing along eventually tells Twain, ‘[I] know every song.” It was a beautiful moment for the teen. Girl, if you read this, you slayed it, great job.
Later in the show, Twain also brought up a couple, whose photo she pulled up. The couple, mega fans, were so grateful to be brought up on stage. As the show went on, Twain engaged the crowd in some playful banter, and made the entire arena feel like an intimate gathering of close friends.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Twain performed “From This Moment On.” The crowd swayed in unison, and many couples held each other close, creating an atmosphere of love and nostalgia.
Nearing the end of the show, Twain performs “Number One,” “Party For Two,” “Forever And For Always,” and “(If You’re Not in It for Love) I’m Outta Here!”
As the night came to a close, Twain returned for an encore, performing “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” The crowd sang along with every word, and it was a beautiful way to end the evening.
Twain’s “Queen of Me” tour showcased her enduring talent, charisma, and the lasting impact she has had on the world of music. The concert was a journey through her iconic career, and it’s safe to say that Twain still reigns as the Queen of country pop.
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