BY TER STAFF

The University of Wisconsin’s Kohl Center played host to the Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain, on Tuesday night, marking her first visit to the arena in seven years. To no one’s surprise, the country superstar proved she still had the power to mesmerize audiences with her high-energy performance and show-stopping theatrics with her sold-out performance. Hailey Whitters, the evening’s opening act and a rising star in country music, warmed up the crowd with a solid set, but it was Shania Twain who truly owned the stage on Tuesday night.

Twain’s two-hour, 20+ song setlist was packed with all the catchy, country-pop anthems fans have come to know and love. From the up-beat “Waking Up Dreaming” from Twain’s latest LP which kicked off the night to her hit classics like “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” which closed out the memorable performance, Twain’s vocal prowess and showmanship shone throughout the night. And while she of course gave plenty of love to her career’s worth of hit singles, Shania also treated the crowd to a number of songs from her latest studio album, “Queen of Me,” including the catchy “Pretty Liar” and the album’s standout title track.

The elaborate visuals behind her throughout the performance added to the spectacle, featuring a mix between outer space and the Wild West. The stage design was equally intricate throughout the night. But it was Twain’s vocal performance on her power ballad “From This Moment On” that truly moved the Wisconsin crowd. Her ability to seamlessly transition from her showstopping ballads to fun dance tracks like “Giddy Up!”, is part of the reason that Shania Twain remains a star who can still sell out the biggest rooms in North America.

Despite the flash and theatrics of her performance, Twain never lost touch with her fans, frequently engaging with them throughout the night and even kicking off her performance in the middle of the floor section of the Kohl Center. Her genuine warmth and sense of humor created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

In the end, it was hard not to be impressed by Twain’s enduring popularity and ability to put on a show that was equal parts fun and heartfelt, which is why the reasons you shouldn’t miss Shania Twain in concert are endless. Her incredible vocal talent and captivating stage presence are second to none. She effortlessly commands the stage, delivering powerful and emotive performances that leave audiences in awe. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from country to pop, and infuse her songs with infectious energy is a testament to her versatility as an artist. 

Additionally, Twain’s showmanship and attention to detail in her live performances are unparalleled. From elaborate stage designs to stunning visuals and choreography, she goes above and beyond to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for her fans. But perhaps what sets Twain apart the most is her genuine connection with her audience. She exudes warmth, humor, and gratitude, making every concertgoer feel like a part of the show. With her extensive catalog of hits and an unwavering commitment to delivering an extraordinary live performance, Shania Twain is undeniably a must-see artist for music lovers of all genres. And judging by the enthusiastic response from the crowd last night, it’s clear that Shania Twain will continue to reign supreme as the Queen of Country Pop for years to come.

So if you missed out on Shania’s Madison visit and you’re already regretting it, you’re in luck as she is set to return to Wisconsin for a Halloween performance this year at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, to run it back for another memorable night.