Reba McEntire performed The National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11, kicking off the 2024 Super Bowl, which finds the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the San Francisco 49ers.
Reba McEntire’s Super Bowl National Anthem Performance
The 68-year-old country music icon delivered an epic rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” live during America’s most-watched sporting event. All eyes were on the three-time GRAMMY winner as she took to the Allegiant Stadium Field to perform the patriotic tune.
Donning a custom Ralph Lauren outfit that consisted of a tan blazer and an all black ensemble complete with massive belt buckle, McEntire allowed her soaring vocals to shine as she belted out the lyrics to our nation’s anthem.
McEntire, a Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member, was joined by Armed Forces color guard and the drummers from The United States Marine band. The U.S. Navy conducted a flyover of Allegiant Stadium as McEntire sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
How Long Was Reba McEntire’s National Anthem Performance At Super Bowl LVIII?
Her National Anthem performance, which was produced and arranged by Emmy Award-winning Musical Director/Producer Adam Blackstone, clocked in at 1 minute, 35 seconds.
On behalf of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), actor Daniel Durant, who starred in the Academy Award-winning movie CODA, performed The National Anthem in American Sign Language.
Fourth Consecutive Country Star To Perform The National Anthem At The Super Bowl
Reba McEntire marks the fourth consecutive country artist singing the anthem at the Super Bowl.
In 2021, Eric Church shared the stage with Jazmine Sullivan, followed by Mickey Guyton in 2022, and Chris Stapleton, acclaimed for delivering one of the most impressive renditions since Whitney Houston in 1991, took the spotlight in 2023. Notable country stars who have previously performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl include Garth Brooks in 1993, Faith Hill in 2000, The Chicks in 2003, Carrie Underwood in 2010, and Luke Bryan in 2017.
Serves As A Full-Circle Moment For Reba McEntire
Ahead of her National Anthem performance at Super Bowl LVIII, McEntire shared a nostalgic throwback of the first time she ever performed The National Anthem, 50 years ago. The country music icon took to social media on Sunday (Feb. 11) hours before her “The Star-Spangled Banner” performance at Super Bowl LVIII to reflect on the full-circle moment.
“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,” McEntire captioned the clip. “I’m so honored to be part of this and hope you’ll tune in on @cbstv at 3PM PT! 🇺🇸 #SBLVIII“
Reba McEntire also opened up about the full-circle moment during a recent interview with her record label. “It’s absolutely amazing coming full circle, 50 years after being discovered by Red Steagall of me singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. That was in 1974,” McEntire shared.
The multimedia entertainment mogul then discussed the mind-blowing opportunity to perform The National Anthem during America’s most-watched sporting event. “I had no idea 50 years, I’d be singing (laughs) the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl. Oh my gosh. 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,” McEntire continued.
According to Reba McEntire’s official website, she was discovered as a country music singer at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City when she sang The National Anthem, five decades ago.
50th Anniversary Of McEntire’s First Time Performing The National Anthem
“I’ve been singing the song for 50 years,” McEntire explained to TODAY. “This is my 50th anniversary since I sang (the national anthem) at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1974.”
She isn’t really nervous about her performance either, as she knows it’s not about her, but those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
“I’m not that nervous, because, you know, it’s not about me when I sing the national anthem,” McEntire admitted before detailing that whenever she sings the song she is thinking about “every man and woman around the world who has always fought for our freedom and continued to pray for peace.”
Super Bowl LVIII
McEntire’s performance of The National Anthem served as part of the official kick-off to Super Bowl 58 and the pre-game entertainment lineup, which also included Post Malone, who performed “America The Beautiful,” and Andra Day, who sang “Lift Every Voice And Sing.”
Additionally, Usher will deliver the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, which will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton and Shawn Carter serving as directors.
