Country music icon Reba McEntire stole the spotlight with her rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII, leaving spectators in awe both in the stands and on the field.
Just moments before kickoff, the 68-year-old Grammy winner graced the field, delivering a flawless performance filled with talent and genuine emotion. Her powerful vocals resonated throughout the stadium, captivating hearts and minds alike. Chiefs’ star defensive lineman Chris Jones was visibly moved, tears welling in his eyes as he was completely absorbed in the moment.
Tears run as Reba McEntire sings the US National Anthem 🇺🇸😢 pic.twitter.com/TvJlKSM7bU
— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) February 11, 2024
As the anthem drew to a close, even Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes couldn’t escape the overwhelming emotion. “This night is just filled with so much emotion”, expressed one fan on social media, echoing the sentiments of many others who were touched by McEntire’s performance. Another user praised Jones for his raw display of emotion during the anthem, acknowledging the significance of the moment.
For McEntire, this Super Bowl performance marked yet another milestone in her illustrious career, though singing the anthem is not unfamiliar territory for her. With over five decades in the music industry, McEntire has graced numerous stages with her rendition of the iconic song. Interestingly, it was her performance of the anthem that initially caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to her discovery.
This ain’t my first rodeo! I’d never have imagined when I sang the anthem at the National Finals Rodeo 50 years ago that I’d be singing it today at the Super Bowl. I’m so honored to be part of this and hope you’ll tune in on @CBS at 3PM PT! 🇺🇸 #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/gFR7kKTTZT
— Reba McEntire (@reba) February 11, 2024
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, McEntire shared her excitement about being part of such a historic event, especially as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of her discovery at the National Finals Rodeo in 1974. “I’m honored to be part of something as monumental as the Super Bowl’s debut in Las Vegas. It’s been 50 years since I was discovered singing the National Anthem, and I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate that milestone,” McEntire expressed ahead of her performance.