Reba McEntire, revered for her contributions to country music, has been chosen to perform the national anthem and initiate the proceedings of Super Bowl LVIII. As a triple Grammy award-winner, McEntire radiated with thankfulness upon being selected for this prestigious role. The imminent Super Bowl, a sporting event watched by millions, will feature McEntire’s harmonious voice on February 11, taking place at the impressive Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
This upcoming performance at the Super Bowl seems like a perfect circle in her illustrious career, as it brings her back to her roots. In an interesting connection to her early career, McEntire had previously sung ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City half a century ago in 1974.
She commemorated this poignant moment by sharing a juxtaposition of her past and present on social media. Positioned beside each other were a snapshot from her initial ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ recital at the rodeo and her contemporary Super Bowl poster. The caption fondly read, ‘How I met y’all. I’m still here.’
Following her performance during the pre-game show, rapper Post Malone is confirmed to sing ‘America the Beautiful’. This ceremonial traditional song marks the lead-up to the extravagant halftime show that is set to star Usher.
But before the halftime show, the pitch will witness yet another performance from Andra Day, who is prepared to render ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’. Each artist adds a unique touch and genre to the pre-game performances, promising a tapestry of diverse musical renditions.
McEntire’s repertoire speaks volumes of her talent; over the course of her career, she has delivered more than 30 studio albums. They boast a multitude of chart-topping hits, including ‘Fancy’, ‘Consider Me Gone’, and ‘Does He Love You’. These have helped her in securing a spot in the annals of country music as a bona fide legend.
Her contributions to the music world have been recognized repeatedly; she was conferred a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame back in 2011. She marked another noteworthy accolade in her cap when she was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2018.
Aside from her musical career, she displayed her versatility with a successful venture into the world of acting. She experiences theatrical stages, including Broadway, where she played a role in the musical ‘Annie Get Your Gun’. Her acting prowess fetched her a Golden Globe nomination for her lead character in her own television series, aptly titled ‘Reba’.
In addition to her musical and acting pursuits, McEntire reportedly published her most recent album named ‘Not That Fancy’, in tandem with a book last year. Both her musical and literary efforts were met with acclaim, her book making it to the bestseller list of The New York Times.
With humble words, McEntire declared her gratitude for the opportunity, stating that she feels ‘honored’ to sing the national anthem for Super Bowl LVIII. Her performance signals an ongoing trend for the NFL, as this marks the second year of featuring a country music artist to sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.
In the previous year, 2023, the NFL chose Chris Stapleton for this honor, who delivered an unforgettable rendition at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Stapleton set high standards with his stellar performance, ushering in country music into the repository of Super Bowl performances.
Reba’s upcoming performance at Super Bowl LVIII will not just be another addition to the league’s penchant for star-studded pre-game shows. It will mark a milestone in her career, connecting her past with her present, reminding everyone of her timeless talent and exceptional contributions to the music world.
As fans wait eagerly for the upcoming Super Bowl and McEntire’s rendition of the national anthem, they can look back at her remarkable journey and manifest journey full-circle. This performance signifies the star’s enduring impact on the music scene, a testament to her ever-lasting appeal.