Shania Twain opened up about feeling “empowered” as she reflects on the milestones of her decades-long career, and now, being declared an icon.

Twain was named the Music Icon of 2022 at the People’s Choice Awards earlier this week, and the global superstar is “still on a high” from receiving that honor. She shared another photo from the evening on her social media channels on Thursday morning (December 8), along with a heartfelt message and a nod to her upcoming album, Queen of Me (it’s set to release in February, followed by Twain’s world tour kicking off in April). Twain wrote in a caption on Instagram:

“To be declared an icon is just... surreal, humbling... empowering! I feel empowered! I wanted my performance to reflect that and celebrate… myself, not in an egotistical way, but in celebrating my power, of walking my own path, of being brave! This industry is intimidating! Life generally can be intimidating - You just gotta stay strong and always remember your power. I've carried that message through my whole working life and I sure ain't stopping now!! My new album reflects exactly that. Embracing your individuality, trusting your gut and drop kicking down those doors! You be the queen of you, i’ll be the queen of me ❤️”

Twain’s powerful People’s Choice Awards performance also drew attention for her lyric-swap in her iconic ‘90s anthem, “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” leaving out Brad Pitt’s name and, instead, hilariously surprising Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds later said in a tweet: “I can’t think of a more iconic, smart and beautiful person to not impress all that much. Thank you for an amazing night, [Shania Twain] ❤️”

Twain — who seemed to channel her “That Don’t Impress Me Much” music video look when she walked the People’s Choice red carpet — is kicking off her global “Queen of Me Tour” in late April, and extending it to the end of 2023. Special guests on select dates include include Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, and Mickey Guyton. Twain previously promised that this tour is “gonna be a big party - no inhibitions, no conditions, let's get a little out of line!!”

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