‘Yikes’: Users Blast Shania Twain’s ‘Barbie’-Inspired Look at People’s Choice Country Awards — Here’s Why

The Canadian singer-songwriter made a bold statement at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 26, 2024.

The country music icon, known for her standout fashion choices, graced the red carpet in a stunning all-denim ensemble that turned heads for both the right and wrong reasons. Twain, who hosted the awards on Peacock, wore a custom mermaid-style denim gown adorned with sparkling rhinestones.

The dress, designed in collaboration with Levi’s, featured an oversized collar and exposed shoulders. The “Giddy Up!” singer accessorized her outfit with matching denim gloves encrusted with glittering stones. Her large blue ring and ’60s-inspired blonde hairstyle completed the look, adding a touch of vintage flair to her modern, rhinestone-laden outfit.

Twain herself expressed her enthusiasm for the look, stating, “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.”

However, despite Twain’s excitement over her creation, the reaction from fans was divided. Many took to social media to express their thoughts, with a significant number criticizing her style choice.

One user wrote, “Totally ruined her looks,” while another added, “She’s not recognizable now; too sad.” Criticism of her blonde hair was a common theme, with one comment reading, “Yikes 😬 that doesn’t suit her. Blonde not so much either.” Another fan commented, “What a shame,” while someone else suggested, “Bring back the brunette [color!].”

While some fans expressed disappointment, others were completely in awe of Twain’s striking appearance. One enthusiastic admirer gushed, “I only have one word: WOW. SHE LOOKS SO DAMN GOOD MY JAW LITERALLY JUST DROPPED @shaniatwain 😱😍💗.”

Another fan embraced the Barbie-inspired look, saying, “It’s giving country Barbie [vibes] and I love it!! 😍.” Yet another netizen echoed the sentiment, writing, “@shaniatwain looking like a beautiful Barbie doll with that hair. Love it 🔥🔥🔥🔥.”

One playful comment even dubbed her outfit “Canadian Tuxedo Barbie,” referencing the denim-on-denim style reminiscent of the classic Canadian tuxedo look.

Twain’s fearless approach to style and her love for pushing boundaries in fashion isn’t the only thing that has captivated fans lately. Alongside her bold wardrobe choices, the songstress has been candid about a deeply personal challenge she overcame: her battle to regain her voice after a serious surgery.

The “You’ve Got a Way” singer, now 59, opened up about how a life-changing open-throat surgery gave her a new perspective on performing. Speaking on the red carpet at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville, Twain shared how the procedure helped her confront performance anxiety.

“It was really about my throat surgery,” Twain explained when asked about the struggles she’s faced in recent years. “I lost my voice, my singing voice, for several years. Regaining that [and] having to go through open-throated surgery to get it back reset my reality.”

Twain revealed that the ordeal completely reshaped her mindset, pushing her to face her fears head-on. “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. Her perseverance, she says, is thanks to both “the voice” and “the desire to never give up” that carried her through the daunting recovery process.

In the years following her surgery, Twain has not only regained her voice but also reignited her passion for the stage. The country star, who has been in the industry for over 30 years, shared that what keeps her going is more than just the thrill of performing.

“The creative element of the industry,” Twain shared, is what fuels her. “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.”

Beyond her incredible voice and unforgettable stage presence, Twain is also excited about the behind-the-scenes aspects of her career. She mentioned, “I definitely wear a lot of hats, and that keeps me motivated.”

Whether it’s songwriting, designing, or producing, the many facets of her career keep her grounded and inspired, sharing that the fans may not always realize just how much work goes into creating the music and shows they love.

As she prepared to host the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, Twain couldn’t help but express her excitement. She further stated, “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.”

Despite the mixed reactions to her bold fashion choices and her post-surgery journey, Twain has always remained unapologetically herself. Her ability to navigate the public eye with grace and resilience was on display during a June 2024 interview on the British chat show “This Morning,” where the country star sparked yet another lively discussion among fans.

The “From This Moment On” singer wowed viewers in a shimmering gold animal print top, dark blue pants, and matching animal print shoes. Her makeup was impeccable with her hair flowing elegantly over her shoulders, complemented by brown lipstick and gold jewelry.

Her presence on the show made social media users buzz with reactions. Admirers couldn’t contain their excitement, with comments like, “I love her,” and “She impress me every time[sic].” One fan gushed, “My queen looks phenomenal, so utterly stunning and gorgeous.”

However, not all feedback was positive. Some fans speculated about changes in Twain’s appearance. A critic bluntly commented, “She sure has screwed up her face,” while another lamented, “So sad she changed her looks. Loved her natural beauty, can’t even [recognize] her!”

Despite the critique, the person acknowledged her talent, saying, “She is an amazing talent, her music is just the best.” Observations about her voice and appearance also poured in.

One viewer noted, “The voice is the same, the face, not so much.” Another added, “Wow, she is still pretty, but her eyes and face have changed so much. Even her hair.” Another user remarked, “Shania used to look so beautiful, what happened to her natural beauty? Her face is gone all plastic.”

Despite the criticism and speculation from fans, Twain remains firm in her decision to never go under the knife. As she ages, she has learned to appreciate her body and looks by facing herself in the mirror.

Twain acknowledges that many people avoid mirrors as they age, feeling shame about their changing appearance. In a previous interview, she discussed embracing aging, saying, “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.”

She vowed to age naturally, stressing that cosmetic surgery is not in her plans. However, she did undergo surgery on her larynx in 2018, which she deemed necessary for her well-being.

Twain differentiates this from cosmetic surgery, stating that procedures like removing cellulite are not essential for her health. She wants to be aware of her cellulite and not despise herself for having it.

The “I Ain’t No Quitter” singer emphasizes the importance of feeling confident and liberated, stating that she wants to take the stage without feeling the need to cover up. For her, true confidence comes from embracing her natural self, flaws and all.

With a renewed sense of purpose after overcoming her health struggles, Twain’s return to the stage is not just a testament to her love for music but also her resilience. Whether it’s on the red carpet or in front of a live audience, Shania Twain continues to captivate, inspire, and push the boundaries, reminding everyone why she remains one of the most enduring stars in country music.