Country Music Icon Reba McEntire Wows With Powerful Super Bowl National Anthem Performance
All eyes were on Reba McEntire ahead of the big game.
Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy NFL on Twitter (X)
Country music icon Reba McEntire delivered a soaring rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LVIII live from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11.
All eyes were on McEntire as she performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” from the field at Allegiant Stadium just moments before kickoff at the big game.
Sporting a Ralph Lauren ensemble, complete with black embellished pants, a black top, and a khaki blazer, Reba gave a nod to her rodeo days by adding a large belt buckle to her game day look.
Watch Reba’s National Anthem Performance
As she hit the high notes, a flyover took place over the stadium, adding to the excitement of the moment.
How Reba Prepared For The Big Game
Ahead of the Super Bowl, McEntire revealed how her boyfriend, actor Rex Linn, helped her prepare for the big moment.
“I prepare by being prepared. I’ve been singing the national anthem in the shower, when we get in the car,” she explained. “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.”
A Full-Circle Moment
The Country Music Hall of Famer’s national anthem performance at Super Bowl LVIII marked a significant milestone in her life and career as it completed a full-circle moment that began 50 years ago at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma. It was there that she was discovered while singing the national anthem. This moment marked the start of her iconic career in country music.
“I’m honored to be part of something as big and historic as the Super Bowl coming to Las Vegas for the first time,” McEntire previously shared in a statement. “2024 marks 50 years since I was discovered singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary.”
The “Fancy” singer further elaborated on what it means to her to have the opportunity to perform the national anthem, admitting she was “honored beyond words” to be the one who gets to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Super Bowl Sunday.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Which Country Artists Have Performed The National Anthem At The Super Bowl?
McEntire is one of several country stars who have had the opportunity to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the big game. Chris Stapleton famously performed the national anthem in 2023, bringing viewers to tears with a rendition that is regarded by many as one of the greatest national anthem performances of all time.
Mickey Guyton performed the national anthem in 2022, Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan in 2021, and Luke Bryan took to the Super Bowl field to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 2017. Before that, country artists who performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl include Carrie Underwood (2010), The Chicks (previously known as the Dixie Chicks) (2003), Faith Hill (2000), Garth Brooks (1993), and Charley Pride (1974).
Pre-Game Performances At The Super Bowl
In addition to Reba McEntire’s performance of the national anthem, Post Malone was on hand to sing “America the Beautiful,” and Andra Day was there to perform “Life Every Voice and Sing.” Following the pre-game performances, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers will compete for the title of Super Bowl champions.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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