Dr. Livingston

With the last few episodes focusing greatly on Shania’s past, it was refreshing to see this episode begin with talks of the future. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they were all in Vegas. Because let’s be honest…it’s hard not to feel hopeful when you are in VEGAS! Lady luck, casinos full of dreamers, flashing lights and sparkly things are everywhere. However as everyone knows, Vegas also has its share of regrets…just like Shania. 

Caesars Palace put an offer on the table and Shania was deciding whether to gamble on herself. Knowing it was a huge offer and opportunity, she had to decide if she was up to the task. I mean..this was Caesars! With former stars such as Cher and Celine booking the seats night after night for the past 8 years, together they brought in over an estimated $600 million in ticket sales. For a voiceless Shania, the pressure was intense. As the Caesars’ executives gave Shania and her team a tour of the Colosseum’s backstage, Shania found herself becoming even more nervous. She stood center stage and was swallowed by the room. I could only imagine that her voice became a bit softer as she was overwhelmed by the venue. Already doubting herself and feeling out of place, Shania knew she had to work on her self confidence because this “was something worth working toward.” 

Then we hit the jackpot…OWN followed Shania as she met with an American icon and Vegas legend, Gladys Knight, at the House of Blues. Sitting center stage on a couple of wooden bar stools, Gladys and Shania spoke of faith and confidence. Gladys shared a personal story of when her son passed away and her inability to find the notes. Her advice…”the more you sing, the better you’ll get. Just hang in there, you’re gonna be fine.” Feeling encouraged and hopeful, Shania found a bit of confidence and began to sing. Gladys echoed with her and I literally got chills. What a moment for Shania….and for all of us to see. That day was Shania’s day! 

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Once again OWN took us on a tour of Shania’s past, beginning with her first gig that really pushed her out into the world and into high heel shoes! Footage ran of her performance at Deerhurst in 1989 and trust me….the hair and outfits screamed 1989! Shania reminisced about how unstable and scary her life was back then. A feeling that once again enveloped her.

Deerhurst wasn’t all bad for Shania though. Within a few years of working there, she got her big break. In 1991 a Nashville entertainment attorney heard her sing ultimately leading to her first recording contract. Feeling as if life has come full-circle, Shania struggled to battle her insecurities. Watching her sing on camera it is clear she feels the self-conscious…I’m beginning to think it is the silence of a camera watching. Something tells me if the cameras weren’t rolling and she wasn’t trying to rebuild her career, that she could have let go. Her sister joined in and helped to comfort her, but Shania remained inside her head. Making excuses all the way to the bus, she smiled and moved on. Everyone knows Shania is a great singer and every note won’t be on key- that happens, but she needs to find comfort in allowing herself to be imperfect.

Still taking us back, Shania shared a place she cherished when she was younger. Traveling back and forth to Nashville, no longer having to care for her siblings (since they were all grown up), Shania headed out to a cabin to find peace. With no where else to go, she worked on her songs and focused on trying to make it…which to her meant “eating well”. She didn’t mind the smaller, simpler life. “My life is always too big for me. It’s been too big for me for a very, very long time”. Going back to the cabin was a good reminder of where she had come from and who she truly is.

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