Reba 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.
Throwback To Her First Time Performing The National Anthem At NFR In 1974
“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“
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.
Full-Circle Moment, Performing The National Anthem At Super Bowl LVIII
Ahead of her National Anthem performance at Super Bowl LVIII, McEntire opened up about the full-circle moment.
“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 in a recent interview with her record label, reminiscing on being discovered at the rodeo.
McEntire 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.
The Country Music Icon Is “Ready” For Her Performance
McEntire also revealed that she is “ready to go” and has had lots of time and practice for the performance.
“We’re prepared. We’re ready to go. You know, 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.”
Fourth Consecutive Country Star To Perform The National Anthem At The Super Bowl
The upcoming performance will mark the fourth consecutive year featuring a 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. Reba McEntire will continue this tradition in 2024.
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.
Super Bowl LVIII
In addition to Reba McEntire, pre-game talent for Super Bowl LVIII include Post Malone, who will perform “America The Beautiful,” and Andra Day will sing “Lift Every Voice And Sing” at Super Bowl LVIII, where Usher will deliver the Apple Music Halftime Show.
Super Bowl LVIII, which finds the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the San Francisco 49ers, will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Super Bowl airs live on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. CT via CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
