While the LVIII Super Bowl did not go by unmarred by controversy, such as when Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ran into and nearly knocked over Chiefs coach Andy Reid while screaming at him after a play went wrong, it was, at least, kicked off the right way before the kick off. That came when Reba McEntire delivered the National Anthem in a powerful, soulful way.
The anthem rendition was a first for McEntire, who was bedecked in a sequined, ivory-colored blazer for the occasion, along with sequined black pants. Appearing on the field between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, McEntire let loose with a country twang-infused rendition of the Anthem that many on social media were quick to praise.
For example, some of the top comments on the NFL’s tweeted out clip of her performance said things like, “Reba absolutely crushed it 🔥,” “Now THAT’S how you show patriotism! Thank you Reba!,” and That should have been the ONLY National Anthem today.” That last comment is presumably a reference to the NFL including the so-called “Black National Anthem” as well, something that went over less than well with many fans who thought the anthem segment should be used to unite rather than divide Americans.
In any case, others chimed in with positive messages as well, saying 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, 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.”
Replying to Travis, a commenter noted that some of the players looked emotional hearing the anthem, writing, “Isn’t that the truth and in fact saw a few players actually with tears in their eyes. That’s what should happen. Listening to the National Anthem should send chills down your spine.”
Watch Reba’s rendition of the Anthem here:
When the NFL announced in mid-January of 2024 that Reba would be singing the anthem, she released a statement saying she was “honored” to do so. Further, she noted this year is an important career milestone that will make the opportunity all the more special. She wrote, “2024 marks 50 years since I was discovered singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo.” She added, “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video
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