Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain made a splash at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards with a look that no one anticipated, sparking a wave of reactions that ranged from astonishment to dismay over her bold ensemble and dramatic transformation.

At the event, held on September 26, 2024, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, Twain took to the red carpet in a striking, Barbie-inspired outfit that garnered both admiration and critique. Known for her fearless approach to fashion, the country music icon wore a custom mermaid-style denim gown, intricately embellished with sparkling rhinestones, designed in collaboration with Levi’s.

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

The gown featured an oversized collar and exposed shoulders, which Twain paired with matching denim gloves studded with glittering stones. To complete her look, she wore a large blue ring and sported a 1960s-inspired blonde hairstyle, adding a retro flair to her rhinestone-laden outfit.

Twain expressed her enthusiasm for the ensemble, sharing her excitement in an interview: “Isn’t it crazy? I love it. I was involved with the sketches and the design and the silhouette and everything. To me, that’s the joy. It’s not about putting on something that’s amazing—it’s about being part of it.”

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

However, despite Twain’s evident love for her look, the reaction from fans was mixed. While some applauded her for pushing fashion boundaries, others were less enthusiastic. Many social media users criticized the blonde hair and overall transformation, with one fan commenting, “Totally ruined her looks,” and another remarking, “She’s not recognizable now; too sad.”

One frequent critique revolved around her new hair color, with comments such as, “Yikes 😬 that doesn’t suit her. Blonde not so much either.” Others pleaded for a return to her natural look, with one user stating, “Bring back the brunette [color!].”

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

Amid the critiques, there were fans who praised Twain’s daring style, with one admirer exclaiming, “I only have one word: WOW. SHE LOOKS SO DAMN GOOD MY JAW LITERALLY JUST DROPPED @shaniatwain 😱😍💗.” Another fan embraced the Barbie-inspired look, stating, “It’s giving country Barbie [vibes] and I love it!! 😍.” A playful comment even dubbed her outfit “Canadian Tuxedo Barbie,” referencing the all-denim ensemble as reminiscent of the classic Canadian tuxedo look.

Beyond her fashion choices, Twain’s resilience has also been a topic of admiration. Recently, the “Giddy Up!” singer opened up about overcoming a deeply personal challenge: her battle to regain her voice after undergoing serious throat surgery. Speaking on the red carpet, Twain reflected on how the surgery reshaped her perspective on life and performance. “It was really about my throat surgery,” she explained when asked about her recent struggles. “I lost my voice, my singing voice, for several years. Regaining that [and] having to go through open-throat surgery to get it back reset my reality.”

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

Twain shared that this experience pushed her to confront her fears and embrace every opportunity. “When you realize that you have another chance at something that you love, you take it and you put fear aside to do it—and that’s what I did,” she added. Twain attributes her recovery to both her love of singing and her determination to persevere. She explained how this newfound perspective motivated her to fully immerse herself in her career, not just as a performer but in all aspects of the creative process.

In the years since her surgery, Twain has rekindled her passion for performing, while also focusing on the behind-the-scenes aspects of her career. The country star, who has been a mainstay in the music industry for over 30 years, shared that it’s not just the thrill of performing that keeps her going but also the creativity behind songwriting, design, and production.

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

“I love new songwriting. I love design and production. There’s so much more that goes into being an artist than just standing on the stage and singing—even though, of course, that’s a very big part.”

As she prepared to host the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, Twain also expressed excitement about presenting the show in her own unique style. She said, “I’m busy getting excited about the [glamor] and presenting country music the way I like to present it, which is with great fashion and excitement, and put on a really great show.”

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

Despite the mixed reactions to her fashion choices, Twain’s unapologetic approach to life and style remains a defining characteristic. Whether it’s experimenting with bold looks or overcoming personal challenges, she continues to captivate audiences with her grace, talent, and authenticity. Even in the face of criticism regarding her appearance, Twain has maintained her stance against cosmetic surgery, choosing instead to embrace the natural aging process.

During a candid interview, Twain addressed the issue, noting that many people avoid mirrors as they age because they feel ashamed of their changing appearance. She said, “Every month or day that I may notice another sag or another bit of cellulite, I want to know it’s there. I want to be OK with it instead of thinking, I have to cover it up or not to look.” Twain has emphasized her desire to age naturally and to take the stage with confidence, unafraid to embrace her imperfections.

Shania Twain on September 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

While she underwent necessary surgery to regain her voice in 2018, Twain remains committed to avoiding cosmetic procedures aimed solely at altering her appearance. She has made it clear that true confidence comes from embracing her natural self, flaws and all.

As Shania Twain continues her journey, both on and off the stage, her fearless attitude and unwavering authenticity are a testament to her resilience and enduring star power. Whether dazzling in a rhinestone-studded gown or inspiring others through her personal story, Twain remains one of country music’s most iconic figures, unafraid to push boundaries and challenge expectations.

Shania Twain pictured onstage in a photo dated September 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/shaniatwain

Shania Twain appearing on "This Morning" | Source: YouTube/@thismorning