Reba Delivers Spirited National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII
All eyes were on country music icon Reba McEntire as she gave a dynamic performance of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Clad in a custom outfit designed by Ralph Lauren, Reba becomes just the tenth country performer to sing the anthem prior to the big game. In career that spans decades, Reba has performed on world renowned stages, starred on Broadway, and has lit up the silver screen. When it came to getting ready for her monumental moment, Reba was beyond primed.
“Well, I prepare by being prepared. I’ve been singing the National Anthem in the shower, when we get in the car. Rex, my boyfriend, is a huge football fan, played all sports when he was going to school, and he’ll say, ‘Ok, sing it one more time.’ I said, ‘I think I know the words real good right now, so I’m alright.’ But just to be prepared and know that everybody’s gonna be singing it with me, that helps. If I know if they’re singing along and they’re remembering and having fun too, that’s easier on me, but just to be prepared when you walk out there.”
The Look
“Well, for us to get ready to sing the National Anthem, of course we had to find out what I was going to wear. So, (prominent fashion designer) Cristina Ehrlich, oh man, she hooked us up with Ralph Lauren to make my outfit for me to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. I have never met Ralph Lauren, and I am so excited because I’ve been a huge fan of him for many, many years and that I’m gonna get to wear a Ralph Lauren outfit, it’s oh, just so exciting,” Reba says.
The Sound
Artists have used orchestras, choirs, and more for their performances, and Reba worked up the perfect rendition for her performance.
Reba says, “Adam Blackstone put the music together for me and we were gonna do it acapella, but Adam said, no, it might be better with the band, so we have that ready to go, and now, it’s just let’s get there and start singing.”
The Legacy
Country music has seen some of its biggest stars get the opportunity to perform at the big game, especially in the last few years. 2024 marks the fourth year in a row that a country artist has performed the National Anthem during the Super Bowl. Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton, and Eric Church all performed within the last three years. Luke Bryan had the honor in 2017. The Chicks dominated in 2003. Faith Hill’s highly-favored performance at the 2000 game would eventually hit the Billboard charts following 9/11. In 1993, Garth Brooks would perform. And it was country legend Charley Pride who was not only the first country act, but the first time a singer was asked to perform the National Anthem. The games previously featured marching bands and choirs.
For Reba, it’s an honor.
“Well, it means a lot. I haven’t sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. I am honored beyond words to be chosen to get to sing it. It means that I get to sing a very special song for all Americans, people all around the world, who have really worked so hard for our freedom and to give us peace, and it’s not about me,” the legend says. “I’m the representation of this song, and I’m just honored to get to sing it. It’s a good one. I’ve been doing it for 50 years, and I’m really proud to get to sing it.”
Who is Reba Rooting For at the Super Bowl?
Whether entertaining the crowd or catching a game, the sport has long been a part of Reba’s life.
“I’ve always liked football, even in high school. As the Singing McEntires and being a part of the Kiowa High School Cowboy Band in Kiowa, Oklahoma where I went to school for 12 years, we were part of the half-time entertainment there at the school. We’d pull the trailer out and we’d play at half-time for our football games,” she says.
The superstar continues, “My boyfriend, Rex Linn, absolutely loves college football. I really get into that, and I cheer for the Longhorns in Austin, Texas. And now getting to sing at the Super Bowl, I think Rex was more excited than I was, if that’s at all possible. I’m a huge, a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, so I will be cheering them on at the Super Bowl.”
How Reba Feels About Performing at the Super Bowl
“It’s absolutely amazing coming full circle, 50 years after being discovered by Red Steagall me singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. That was in 1974. Little did I know, I had no idea 50 years I’d be singing the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl. I don’t even have the imagination to say that I would be doing something like this. I’m absolutely thrilled to pieces that they asked me.”
What’s Next For Reba in 2024
Fans can catch Reba on The Voice starting February 26, 2024 on NBC. Her latest bestseller book “Not That Fancy” features recipes, family stories, and more is available now.