Performing her first Australian shows in almost two decades, the world’s top-selling female country artist of all time, Shania Twain, performed in Adelaide’s Botanic Park on Sunday 2 December 2018.
In celebration of her third consecutive number 1 album, Shania’s NOW Tour was here right in time for summer. And Adelaide’s spectacular Botanic Park was the perfect setting for the country pop star to bust out her tunes new and old.
Leopard printed dresses, pants, scarfs, shoes and gloves made appearances in true Shania spirit. Adelaide was ready.
All the way from Switzerland to support Shania was Bastian Baker, a leather-bound sweetheart with many a country pop tunes that left the crowd ready for more. Starting off his set with his tune Follow the Wind and beginning a giant sing-a-long with his tender performance of Hallelujah, the Swiss singer songwriter was a true delight.
Crowds then waited as the sun set on Botanic Park. On a second stage positioned further within the crowd a drummer began a strong rock beat. Two bright light beams were making their way through the crowds, only for it to be revealed that it was Shania herself, in her grey, sequinned dress, making her way to the stage.
The sparkly Shania started her set with NOW’s Life’s About To Get Good and a stunning performance of Up! from her fourth studio album. The stage was alive with bright, poppy colours. Her performance of Don’t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You) was a highlight, with Irish dancers, fiddles, pop beats and underwater visuals all meshed into a fun performance. Everyone was up on their feet having a ball, regardless of whether or not they knew the words.
And then the moment we were all waiting for. Leopard prints flooded the stage as the words ‘Let’s go girls’ left the crowd going wild. If the other songs weren’t enough to get everyone dancing, then That Don’t Impress Me Much was it. Despite the cooler weather outside, it was fair to say that everyone was completely warmed up by now.
As Shania left the stage for what we assumed was another epic costume change, a kiss cam was playing, catching out lovers old and young. There was also an amazing live performance by Shania’s drummer which left the crowd totally wowed.
Shania emerged with her red boots as she performed Any Man Of Mine, Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? and Honey, I’m Home. She was alive with energy, dancing to her country pop tunes. She then slowed things down with her powerful performance of I’m Alright from her new NOW album.
Through a brief guitar solo, the country singer made her way to the second stage, in a new outfit, with a glitter guitar. On a rotating chair, she told the audience about her last visit to Australia and performed her gorgeous song, Still The One.
There were a few moments of crowd interaction, as Shania called four audience members up on stage with her, saying how she loves meeting new people. Cousins from Mildura and a cute couple from Norwood were able to have a brief moment with Shania on stage (and the crowds laughed as the older couple struggled to get the phone on selfie mode).
The infamous top hat from one of her most famous film clips also made an appearance, before Shania changed into a stunning dress to perform her From This Moment On. I’m Gonna Getcha Good!, a duet with Bastian Baker in Party For Two and her new summer tune Swinging With My Eyes Closed kept the crowds dancing and smiling the night away under the shimmering stars at Botanic Park.
(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here! and No One Needs To Know were performed with high energy, before the final song Man! I Feel Like A Woman’ played. It was well worth the wait. Crowds were left buzzing as the night finally came to an end.
Shania well and truly did impress Adelaide much (the pun was inevitable). It was spectacular show which put us all in the party mood just in time for summer.
Now Botanic Park will have to do it all again this Tuesday for Bon Jovi. You can still get tickets for Bon Jovi here.