The wait might almost be over for Shania Twain fans eager to hear new music. The Canadian, whose last studio album, 'Up!,' was released in 2002, hints she is hard at work on a new set of tunes.

"I am in the middle of putting the album together, and that’s very exciting," she reveals to the Las Vegas Sun. "That’s a whole new world there for me because that took a lot of courage, too. Just to really dive in there and expose my songwriting for the first time after a long time to my peers and have to sit there and get the feedback and be brave enough to do that."

Twain has spent the past two years performing her Still the One show in Las Vegas. Her residency, which wraps up in December, she says gave her the courage to continue recording more albums.

"The success here in Las Vegas has given me a confidence that I have not had in years, even in past tours," she admits. "I really have been able to build up a lot more courage and a lot more confidence in myself. I’m ready for more things now."

The 49-year-old was diagnosed with vocal dysphonia, which made singing difficult. She acknowledges she was ready to give up, except for the determination of good friend, Lionel Richie, who wanted her to contribute to his 'Tuskegee' record.

"Lionel Ritchie was a very big force because it took him a while to get me to sing on that record with him for 'Endless Love,'" Twain says. "I was petrified.

"He got me on the phone and … he was a fantastic coach. He was like a shrink, to be honest, and he really convinced me that I needed to try, and once I got into his company in person, he just brought it all out of me and I’m just so grateful," she adds. "Step by step, little by little, there were moments where I thought, 'Hmmm, OK, maybe I can do it.'"

In addition to releasing new music, Twain says she is also considering launching another tour.

"I think I’m going to do more,” she hints. "I guess it’s just something I’m enjoying more now than I have in a long time. Vegas has been a really good transition for me to get back onstage again, and I guess I’m enjoying it."

Twain will be at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace until Dec. 13. See a list of her remaining dates here.

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