Country music superstar Shania Twain is set to perform at the famous Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland this summer. As one of the most successful country artists of all time, Shania Twain concerts are highly anticipated events that attract thousands of passionate fans. Many are wondering—who will have the honor of opening for Shania on this tour stop? Merriweather Post Pavilion has hosted many legendary acts over the years, so the opening act is sure to be an exciting country star in their own right.
About Shania Twain
Let’s start with a quick overview of Shania Twain’s career. Shania Twain is a five-time Grammy award winning singer and songwriter who has sold over 100 million records worldwide. She was born Eilleen Regina Edwards in Windsor, Ontario Canada in 1965. After developing her singing skills in local bars as a teenager, she moved to Nashville in 1987 to pursue a career in country music. She adopted the stage name Shania Twain and signed with Mercury Nashville records in 1993. Her second studio album The Woman in Me, released in 1995, brought her widespread fame with hits like “Any Man of Mine” and “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”. Shania cemented her status as country’s biggest star with the 1997 release of Come On Over, which became the best-selling studio album by a female act in any genre and the best-selling country album of all time. Major hits from that album included “You’re Still the One”, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, and “That Don’t Impress Me Much”. She’s won 27 BMI Songwriter awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards, and 4 American Music Awards among many other accolades over her decades-long career.
In addition to her country music success, Shania Twain has a substantial crossover pop audience. She has collaborated with producers and artists outside the country genre leading to major pop chart success around the world. Even a decade-long hiatus from the music industry in the 2000s did little to dampen enthusiasm for Shania’s distinctive voice and empowering anthems. She triumphantly returned to touring in 2015 with her Rock This Country Tour. In 2017, Shania released her fifth studio album Now, her first new record in 15 years. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating that fan appetite for her music had not dimmed. Now that she is back on the road in 2023 for her Queen of Me Tour, fans are as excited as ever to see the country-pop icon perform live.
Merriweather Post Pavilion History
Now let’s switch gears to provide some background on the iconic concert venue Shania Twain is set to play this summer. The Merriweather Post Pavilion is a 20,000 seat outdoor amphitheater located in Columbia, Maryland. The amphitheater was originally commissioned and designed in the 1960s by the Rouse Company as part of its vision for developing the planned community of Columbia. It was intended to provide cultural and entertainment options for the city. The venue was named after the Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post who once owned the estate on which the pavilion was built. Merriweather Post Pavilion first opened its doors in 1967 with a performance by John Philip Sousa. Since then, it has hosted legendary acts across all genres of popular music from Jimi Hendrix to Pearl Jam to Kendrick Lamar.
Merriweather Post Pavilion has developed a reputation as an outstanding place to enjoy a concert, with excellent acoustics and sightlines. The lush tree-filled space and laidback outdoor setting give it an intimate feel, even when hosting major touring acts. The venue has gone through renovations and upgrades over the years, including the addition of lawn seating in the 1980s. Today it continues to attract stars from rock, pop, R&B, country, and more, solidifying its status as a premier concert destination in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Some career highlights for Merriweather Post Pavilion include being the site of Jimi Hendrix’s last full concert performance in 1970. In 1971, the venue hosted The Doors which turned out to be their last show with frontman Jim Morrison before his death. Many other major acts have recorded live albums there over the decades from Genesis to Dave Matthews Band. Going to a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion has become a rite of passage for generation after generation of music lovers.
Potential Opening Acts for Shania Twain
Given Merriweather Post Pavilion’s history and Shania Twain’s massive popularity, expectations will be high for her opening act on the Queen of Me Tour stop. The opening performer needs to complement Shania’s signature country-pop blend and pump up the crowd. Based on 2022 tour schedules and genres, here are four possibilities for who could open the show:
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert would be an excellent choice as she’s one of today’s biggest female country stars like Shania Twain. A fiery singer-songwriter with major crossover appeal, Miranda Lambert has won four Grammys and countless other country music honors. She has cultivated a devoted fanbase over her decades-long career with hits like “The House That Built Me,” “Automatic,” and “Bluebird.” Miranda Lambert just announced her 2023 Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency. But she could easily slot some tour dates supporting Shania Twain this summer around that commitment. Fans would love to see these two powerhouse women share a stage.
Carly Pearce
Up-and-comer Carly Pearce would make an ideal rising star opener for the country legend. With her roots in bluegrass music, Carly Pearce has quickly established herself as a popular country artist with songs like “Every Little Thing” and 2021’s “29: Written in Stone” album. She has experience opening for big names like Blake Shelton and Lady A on recent tours. Pearce’s small town authenticity but willingness to experiment with country pop could resonate with Shania Twain’s audience.
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini’s high energy pop country style is reminiscent of Shania Twain’s heyday. She knows how to deliver a fun anthemic tune with crossover potential. Ballerini has opened for Keith Urban, The Jonas Brothers, and other major headliners. She has earned Grammy nominations and several #1 country hits of her own. Radio friendly tracks like “Miss Me More” and “Hole in the Bottle” showcase her confident attitude similar to Shania’s signature songs. Ballerini could get the Merriweather Post Pavilion crowd excited before the main event.
Ingrid Andress
A truly eclectic choice would be singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress. Her vulnerable lyrics and indie folk-pop melodies have garnered critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. Songs like “More Hearts Than Mine” and “Wishful Drinking” show her artistry. While she’s more lowkey than Shania Twain, Andress is an innovative talent. Her raw emotional vocals could make for a quieter but still impactful start to the night. And she could draw in fans looking for more indie pop crossover sounds.
Conclusion
Only time will tell who exactly gets the career-boosting opportunity to open Shania Twain’s Merriweather Post Pavilion stop on her Queen of Me Tour. But fans can count on an exceptional night of entertainment from start to finish. Whether it’s Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, Ingrid Andress, or another amazing country star, the opening act will get the crowd warmed up for the icon herself. When Shania Twain takes the stage at the legendary Merriweather Post Pavilion this summer, she is sure to deliver the dazzling vocals, daring costumes, and high-energy performance her fans love. It will be a memorable concert event with two impressive women leading the show.