'A moment I'll never forget': 'Today' host Hoda Kotb performs duet with friend Shania Twain on stage
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Hoda Kotb, the multi-talented host of 'Today', surprised fans with an impressive singing performance alongside Country legend Shania Twain. The duo captivated the audience at Madison Square Garden with a duet, where Kotb's powerful vocals impressed everyone.
The surprise duet took place as Kotb presented Twain with a double-diamond platinum record for her acclaimed album 'Come On Over.' The duet left a lasting impression, especially since Twain styled Hoda in her own wardrobe before the concert. The two longtime friends had a heartfelt reunion backstage before the concert, captured on camera for the 'Today' show.
During a conversation backstage, Twain shared some profound insights about her musical journey. She said, “It does feel like I'm having the time of my life. So I'm enjoying it, absorbing it. I'm really looking at the people — really looking at them, absorbing them," adding, “I feel more appreciative now than ever in my career. I'm celebrating loving my voice and the way I sing. It's very satisfying to me to be able to sing out and express myself through my voice again without any reservation and fear."
Shania Twain and Hoda Kotb's duet
During the concert, Twain warmly welcomed Kotb to the stage, expressing her delight at reuniting with her friend. Before bringing the host on stage, Twain said, “Before this next song, I want to introduce someone I’ve loved for many years. We’ve been good friends for a long, long time. We text about all kinds of things staying in touch, but there’s nothing like being in person together. Please welcome to the stage, my good friend Hoda!”
In a surprise gesture, Kotb presented Twain with a double-diamond platinum record, recognizing the immense success of her album 'Come On Over', which has sold over 40 million copies. However, Twain had an even bigger surprise in store, revealing that she would be reissuing the album on its 25th anniversary, describing it as the best record of her life. The audience erupted in applause.
Acknowledging the power of music to transcend generations, Twain expressed her gratitude to the audience for their ongoing support, “It’s really amazing how music can go [through] this full cycle and live through generations, and that’s of course all because of you, thanks to you," she said before turning her attention back to Kotb, expressing excitement at finally getting the opportunity to sing together. “Hoda, after all these years of knowing you, we’re finally going to sing together," Twain said. With the singer strumming her guitar, they performed the hit, 'You're Still the One'.
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Hoda Kotb left teary-eyed after iconic moment
Reflecting on her performance with Twain, Kotb expressed her astonishment and described it as a “combination of mouthing and panic." She said, “As I left the stage I knew that moment — that magic — would stay with me for a lifetime. It was so incredibly moving and beautiful. There are moments you dream about happening ... she’s so generous and kind I don’t even know what to say. But I’m touched and I’m moved. It’s a moment I’ll never forget as long as I live.” Twain's Queen of Me tour will conclude in November at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
