If you saw Shania Twain strutting across the Glastonbury stage recently or caught her latest Las Vegas residency, you might think she’s been living the same high-glitz life since 1997. She looks incredible. The leopard print is still there. The "Let’s Go Girls" energy? Fully intact.
But here’s the thing: the Shania Twain now and then comparison isn’t just about aging or changing fashion trends. It’s actually a story of a woman who literally had to rebuild her body from the inside out just to make a sound. Honestly, most people don't realize how close she came to never speaking again, let alone singing.
The "Then" Era: Global Domination and Leopard Print
Back in the late 90s, Shania was inescapable. Come On Over didn't just top charts; it lived there. We are talking about 40 million copies sold. That’s not just a "hit" album—it’s a cultural shift. She was the Canadian girl who somehow convinced traditional Nashville that midriff-baring tops and pop beats were the future of country.
She was everywhere.
She was dating (and married to) Robert "Mutt" Lange, the legendary producer behind Def Leppard. Together, they were a hit-making machine. They lived in a secluded Swiss chateau. It looked like the ultimate fairy tale from the outside. But then, everything just… stopped.
The Dark Years: Lyme Disease and Heartbreak
The transition from "then" to "now" started with a tick.
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In 2003, while on her Up! tour, Shania was bitten by a tick while horseback riding. She started having dizzy spells and blackouts on stage. Shortly after, her voice began to fail. Not just a "rough night" kind of fail, but a complete loss of control. It’s called dysphonia. Basically, the nerves to her vocal cords were damaged by Lyme disease.
Then came the second blow. Her husband, Mutt, had an affair with her best friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud.
She lost her marriage and her voice in one go. For a decade, Shania Twain basically vanished. She went into hiding in Switzerland, convinced she’d never sing again. She even told reporters later that she would just yell into the wind to see if anything would come out. Nothing did.
The Medical Miracle: Open-Throat Surgery
Most fans see her on stage today and assume she just took a long break. That’s not it. To get back to being the Shania Twain now, she had to undergo several invasive "open-throat" surgeries. These weren't standard vocal cord procedures. Surgeons had to put Gore-Tex stabilizers in her throat to help her vocal folds function because the nerves were simply dead.
It changed her voice forever.
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If you listen to her 1995 recordings versus her 2023 album Queen of Me, the difference is striking. Her voice is deeper now. It’s huskier. It has a bit more "grit" to it. She has to do intensive warm-ups for hours before a show just to find her "new" voice.
Shania Twain Now: 2025 and 2026 Updates
So, where is she at today? Honestly, she's busier than she was in the 90s.
As of early 2026, Shania is back in the spotlight with a vengeance. She recently wrapped up her massive "Come On Over" residency in Las Vegas (her third residency, by the way). She's also scheduled for a limited run of summer 2025/2026 tour dates across the US and Canada.
She also found love again in the most "country song" way possible. She married Frédéric Thiébaud—the ex-husband of the woman her first husband cheated with. They’ve been together since 2011 and live a relatively quiet life in Corseaux, Switzerland, when she isn't touring.
What’s New in 2026?
- New Music: Fans have been buzzing about her being back in the studio. She’s been teasing a "new era" of music that leans into her lower register.
- The Voice: She’s been very open about the fact that her voice might continue to change. She doesn't hide it. She uses it as a badge of honor.
- Net Worth: She’s currently ranked as one of the richest country stars in the world, with an estimated net worth of $400 million.
- TV Appearances: She’s set to be a judge on Canada’s Got Talent in 2025/2026, showing a mentorship side we haven't seen as much of before.
Why the "Now" Matters More Than the "Then"
It’s easy to look back at the Man! I Feel Like A Woman! video and miss that version of Shania. She was a titan. But the Shania Twain of today is arguably more impressive. She’s performing with hardware in her throat. She’s 60 years old and still doing high-energy choreography.
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She isn't trying to sound like she did in 1997. She’s trying to sound like herself in 2026.
If you’re looking for a lesson in Shania's journey, it’s basically this: your "new" version doesn't have to be a lesser version of your "old" self. It’s just different. She’s proof that you can lose your identity, your career, and your partner, and still end up on top.
Actionable Takeaways from Shania’s Journey
If you're following Shania's current career or looking to catch her live in 2026, here’s what you need to know:
- Check the 2026 Tour Calendar: She’s been doing more "limited engagement" shows lately rather than grueling 100-date world tours. If you want to see her, you have to book fast.
- Listen to the New Vocals: Before you go to a show, listen to Now (2017) or Queen of Me (2023). It’ll help you appreciate the new texture of her voice so you aren't surprised by the lack of those 1995 high notes.
- Watch the Documentary: If you haven't seen Not Just a Girl on Netflix, watch it. It gives a literal play-by-play of the surgery and the moment she realized her voice was changing.
- Embrace the Reinvention: Shania's current brand is all about "owning it." Whether it’s pink hair or bold fashion choices, she’s leaned into being a legacy act that refuses to act like a museum piece.
Shania Twain isn't just a singer anymore; she's a survivor who happens to have a few Diamond-certified albums in her pocket.