Hitmaker Shania Twain dishes on the talent she wishes she had and her fave guilty-pleasure reality show

The hitmaker joins Howie Mandel, Kardinal Offishall and Katherine Ryan on the judging panel for the new season of “Canada’s Got Talent,” on which all different kinds of artists compete for a $1-million prize — the largest in Canadian TV history.

We spoke with the star about her own talent-show history, her judging talents and the talent she wishes she had.

What made you want to join a talent show judging panel?

Well, I’m particularly excited about discovering new talent. That will never get old for me. I’m always wowed by talented people. That’s going to be my joy in this process: genuine love for other talent. Also, at this stage in my own career, being able to share true experience and some of my input.

What talents do you have that will make you a good judge?

I do a lot of directing in my own work. So I’m very observant and (skilled) in recognizing where there’s room for improvement, or when everything is just the way it should be.

What will be the biggest challenge for you?

It’s always difficult, not really knowing the full spectrum all at once of what the talent is going to be as a whole. There’s a mystery there, that unknown. Because it’s all relative. We don’t get the luxury of understanding the full picture; there’s a guessing game in there as well. You’ve got to really just forget about the big picture and focus in the moment on that particular talent.

What are some of your own personal favourite talent types from past seasons of the show? I love the magicians and pet tricks.

I do love the animal training. I’m always very impressed by people that have that unique bond and relationship with an animal. The focus is remarkable. I ride horses, so I really appreciate that connection and the psychology there. Musical talent is something that I have a lot of experience in, so I’m always very in tune with music talent as well.

Have you had any fun moments with your judging compatriots during taping so far?

I do know several of the personalities on the panel, so this is going to be very fun and exciting, especially because I’m such a fan of comedy. For me it’s going to be more about feeding off my co-panelists. I like the spontaneous element.

Do you feel that you have a talent for comedy yourself? Do you feel like you’re funny?

I can be. I do have a funny bone. But I don’t think I’d be a very good standup comedian, but that is apparently one of the more challenging elements of comedy.

Standup is very hard, but I would immediately buy a ticket to a Shania Twain standup comedy show.

Look at that — thanks! That’s a confidence-builder.

I feel like there’s a real sense of playfulness in your work that could translate into some bits.

I think that’s a good word. Playful is a good word. I would be a playful comedian.

Do you have any memories yourself of any talent shows that were really inspirational for you?

I did do talent contests when I was a child — and I never won any of them.

Do you ever lie awake occasionally in your giant, beautiful mansion, as one of Canada’s most lauded stars, and just think back to the talent shows and be like, “If only they knew what a talent I was”?

I didn’t let it get in my way, obviously. I kept going. Persevering served me well.

Let’s finish up with a fun speed round about talent. Talent you’re best at?

Spontaneity.

Any talent you wish you had?

Dancing.

Talent you think you’re good at but secretly suspect you might be terrible at?

I’m terrible at a lot of things. I’m not hesitating because I don’t think I’m terrible at anything! But I would say I’m a terrible model.

What talent do you like in a friend?

Oh, I would love somebody that was a sommelier.

Talent you like in a partner?

Humour.

Talent you inherited from your family?

Acting.

Talent you wish more people had?

Sense of humour.

Secret guilty-pleasure talent reality show?

Well, does it take talent to be on “Naked and Afraid”?

“Canada’s Got Talent” Season 5 debuts March 18 at 8 p.m. on Citytv.