Celebrating birthdays in style is always more special when you’re Brad Pitt, especially when you receive a shoutout from none other than Shania Twain. The iconic “You’re Still The One” singer took the opportunity on December 18th to wish the Fight Club star a happy 60th birthday, but with a playful twist. On an Instagram post, Shania commented, “That don’t impress me much, but HBD,” paired with a kissy face emoji. This lighthearted message adds a fun touch to the tradition of celebrity birthday wishes.
This isn’t the first time Shania has acknowledged Brad’s birthday. In 2020, she made a similar exception for Pitt’s 58th birthday, tweeting on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, “Happy Birthday to Brad Pitt. I’ll make an exception for today.” Despite the lyrical shoutout in her chart-topping hit song, “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” it seems Shania and Brad don’t have a personal connection beyond these occasional birthday acknowledgments.
In a candid revelation during an interview on Chicken Shop Date in March, Shania shared, “I’ve never met Brad Pitt. I think he’s avoiding me, honestly.” This humorous remark adds to the playful dynamic between the two celebrities. Even more intriguing, Shania revealed that Brad has never directly commented on being mentioned in her hit song. Despite the song’s enduring popularity, Brad’s silence on the matter remains a mystery.
The inspiration behind the inclusion of Brad in Shania’s song’s lyrics was a 1997 scandal involving Pitt suing Playgirl magazine for publishing nude photos of him and then-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow. Clarifying that it wasn’t a jab at the actor, Shania told Billboard in 2017, “I was writing this album and there was a scandal where there were naked photos…and this was like, all the rage. I just thought, ‘I don’t know what all the fuss is about. We see naked people every day.'” This anecdote sheds light on the context behind the memorable lyric and dismisses any notion of animosity between the two.
While Shania is known for her exceptional musical talent, she is also a romantic at heart. She is married to Frédéric Thiébaud, and they tied the knot on January 1, 2011. Their love story is a unique one, as it involves the aftermath of betrayal. Shania’s now-ex-husband Robert “Mutt” Lange had an affair with Frédéric’s then-wife and Shania’s assistant-cum-best friend Marie-Anne. However, the couple has since settled into a loving relationship despite the rocky start. In an interview with The Guardian, Shania affirmed, “It’s a passionate love on every level. I used to be very monotone in my relationships.” She expressed that she found a new level of connection and understanding with her husband, highlighting the growth she experienced from her previous marriage.
Shania Twain’s playful birthday message to Brad Pitt adds a touch of excitement and humor to the tradition of celebrity birthday wishes. Despite not having a personal connection with Pitt, Shania’s occasional nods to his birthday create a lighthearted bond between the two stars. Furthermore, the backstory behind the inclusion of Brad in her hit song’s lyrics dispels any misunderstandings and emphasizes the song’s cultural impact. As Shania continues to celebrate birthdays with a twist, fans can look forward to more playful interactions between these two iconic figures in the entertainment industry.