Shania Twain describes it as both “humbling” and “rewarding” when rising music stars credit her as an inspiration.
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The singer has been admired by artists such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kelsea Ballerini.
Shania Twain finds it “humbling” to receive recognition for her influence.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 59-year-old singer shared her gratitude for inspiring the next generation of artists, including Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kelsea Ballerini.
“It’s incredibly moving,” Twain said. “I understand what they mean when they talk about how they feel and express it to me personally.”
She continued, “I relate because, when I was younger, I felt the same way about artists who had already reached the places I dreamed of being. I remember imagining what I would say if I ever had the chance to meet them.”
Reflecting on the experience, the Man! I Feel Like a Woman! singer added, “So I can only imagine that’s what they’re feeling in those moments.”
Over the years, Twain has been recognized by numerous younger artists across various music genres.
In a 2021 TikTok video, Taylor Swift, 35, joined a viral trend set to Lukas Graham’s Mama Said. She dismissed the notion that “country girls can’t go pop” and credited Twain for breaking that barrier long before she did.
In April 2022, Harry Styles, 31, surprised fans by bringing Twain onstage during his Coachella headlining set. He admitted he was “starstruck” to perform alongside her, saying, “This lady taught me to sing. She also taught me that men are trash.”
Sabrina Carpenter, 25, recently honored Twain by performing one of her songs during a stop on her Short n’ Sweet Tour. She also had the chance to duet with Twain during her A Nonsense Christmas special.
Kelsea Ballerini, 31, has collaborated with Twain on a duet, performed special tributes in her honor, and even recreated some of Twain’s iconic red carpet looks.
Twain finds it “very humbling and rewarding” to witness the influence she has had on the next generation of musicians.
She shares that receiving praise from younger artists often makes her reflect on her own early days in the industry.
“I think about how I might have expressed myself if I had met certain artists I admired,” she explains. “If I had the chance to say what I truly wanted to say or even perform with them.”
However, as a mother of one, Twain acknowledges that she has been fortunate enough to express her gratitude to those who have inspired her.