Country star Reba McEntire sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII and was heartily praised for her performance on social media, particularly in conservative spheres, as she kept the verse traditional rather than trying to put her own spin on it like many singers. Then, when speaking about the opportunity to sing the Anthem, she made sure people remembered to focus not on her but instead on the message and meaning of the Star Spangled Banner.
The moment was an important moment for Reba, outside of any patriotic considerations, as it came on the fiftieth anniversary of her appearance as a singer at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma, where she sang the National Anthem. That moment, coming when she was just 19 years old, is generally considered to be the moment when Reba was “discovered.”
Reba, speaking about how she prepares for important engagements like this one and makes sure she’s ready to sing. She said, “I prepare by being prepared.” She added, “I’ve been singing the national anthem in the shower, when we get in the car… Rex (Linn), my boyfriend, is a huge football fan. He’ll say, ‘Sing it one more time.’ I’ll say, ‘I think I know the words real good right now, so I’m all right.’”
Then, focusing on what is really important, she said, “It means that I get to sing a very special song for all American people around the world who have really worked so hard for our freedom and to give us peace…. It’s not about me. I’m a 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.”
Numerous commenters online posted about how wonderful Reba’s performance was, saying things like “Reba absolutely crushed it 🔥” and “Now THAT’S how you show patriotism! Thank you Reba!.” Others added things like “Outstanding performance by Reba! Now that’s the way our National Anthem should be sung always,” “I always tear up when I see our Troops! ❤️ 🤍 💙 💪🏻🥺,” “THAT WAS AMAZING!!!! LOVE REBA!!!,” and “That’s how you represent all Americans’ way to go @reba. You did it justice with such real beauty. You made some vets very emotional in my home with your flawless performance.“
Similarly, conservative X commentator and podcast host Clay Travis wrote, “Post Malone and Reba McIntrye both killed that. And, by the way, no player in the NFL that I’m aware of still kneels for the anthem. No one here on either team. It’s pretty amazing how that trend just completely vanished. And how ratings have set all time records since it ended.“
Watch Reba’s performance here:
