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'Idol' guest judge Shania Twain is picture of happiness as she jets into NYC

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HelloMagazine.ca
September 23, 2009

More than one year one from her split from her music producer husband
Robert 'Mutt' Lange, Shania is back on top of the world

Fresh from Switzerland, where she spent time with her eight-year-old son Eja, country superstar Shania Twain was on top of the world as she arrived in the Big Apple on Tuesday.

The Ontario-born beauty's stint as a guest judge on "American Idol" was just what she needed to ease her back into the spotlight.

And after filling in for Paula Abdul on the popular reality TV star search, the 44-year-old flew back to her Swiss home, where her son is in school.

And being united her favourite boy was the icing on the cake of what's been a particularly positive time for the brunette beauty.

A source close to the singer says: "She's the happiest I've seen her in years. She's really happy to be in the public eye again."

And Shania's joie de vivre spilled over onto the "Idol" set. "She's having the best time," said a show source during filming of her guest spot. "She and Simon Cowell have a really great rapport with each other. They're funny together."

A crew member adds: "She showed up in good spirits and had a lot of fun. She was clearly really excited to be a part of the day."

Part of the reason behind the star's sunny mood is said to be down to her relationship with Frédéric Thiébaud.

While Shania hasn't confirmed the pair are actually romantically involved, she acknowledged how much his support has meant to her since the break-up of her marriage to music producer husband Robert Lange.

Referring to Frédéric as "a dear friend and true gentleman," the usually-private singer paid tribute to him on her website.

"(He) has been the most constant companion and support for both Eja and I. And having gone through the suffering of his family splitting apart at the same time and under the same extreme circumstances, he understands me better than anyone," she explained.

"We leaned on one another through the ups and downs, taking turns holding each other up. We've become stronger and closer through it all, as have our children, Eja and Johanna, Fred's 8-year-old daughter."

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