Twain tribute planned
TORONTO — Three of Canadian country music’s new generation of female voices are gearing up for a tribute to Shania Twain.
Jess Moskaluke, Kira Isabella and Madeline Merlo, who performed at this year’s Penticton Peach Festival, will open next month’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards with an homage to the Timmins, Ont. native, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The trio of singers will each perform one of Twain’s songs before the superstar joins them onstage to begin her hosting duties for the live broadcast. The event takes place at Hamilton’s First-Ontario Centre on Sept. 9.
It’s a “girl power” moment Moskaluke says she never dreamed would happen. She’s been a longtime Twain fan and regularly credits the country singer with giving her the confidence to pursue a music career.
“I had every album, I know every word to every song — whether it was a single or not,” Moskaluke says.
“I remember her music always being a part of my life.”
Over the past few weeks Moskaluke has been texting with Isabella and Merlo to iron out the details of their collaboration. They’ve discussed their outfits, the songs they’ll sing, and how excited they are to meet Twain for the first time.
Moskaluke will perform “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” while Merlo is down for a rendition of “Life’s About to Get Good,” Twain’s comeback single released last year. Isabella is set to offer her take on “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”
They’ll unite to sing “Honey, I’m Home,” a foot-stomping finish to their set.
Moskaluke, 28, grew up in Saskatchewan during the 1990s when she says artists like Twain, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and LeAnn Rimes ruled over the country music airwaves.
“For me, Shania was the one really paving the way,” she says.
Moskaluke has a few other things to be excited about at this year’s show. She’s tied with Brett Kissel for the most CCMA nominations — they each have six. Merlo is nominated for female artist of the year.
“Brett always cleans house,” Moskaluke says of her friend. “Year after year he has a fantastic career.”
But Moskaluke’s country stardom, which includes three consecutive female artist wins at the CCMA Awards, is opening new doors in Nashville.
She’s been working on a number of collaborations she’s keeping under wraps, and this summer recorded a Christmas album that’ll be released later this year
The CCMA Awards will broadcast live on the CBC.