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The Super Bowl, long admired as an all-American spectacle of sport and showmanship, is poised to take on a distinctly country flavor in 2024. With multi-platinum, Grammy-award-winning country music legend Reba McEntire announced to sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII, America’s most-watched annual television event is about to be amplified by the charms and talents of one of country music’s most recognizable icons. The NFL and Roc Nation confirmed this during a post on their partner platform, bringing an unexpected but welcome twist to the pregame lineup set to pump up the energy in Las Vegas this February.

Reba McEntire, renowned for hit songs such as “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” will kick-off an all-star musical lineup that also includes pop sensation Post Malone singing “America The Beautiful” and the soulful Andra Day performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This seismic news enticed McEntire to express her excitement and honor to her followers about being a part of the Super Bowl’s historic debut in the city of lights.

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McEntire admitted in an interview on CBS Mornings that she wrestled with the decision to perform on the world stage. However, boyfriend Rex Linn abruptly and enthusiastically gave a “Yes she’ll do it, absolutely.” in response, reflecting the excitement shared by fans across the nation.

In 2023, the Super Bowl had a controversial halftime performance when pop star Rihanna was accused of delivering the “worst lip sync ever.” Despite her airborne stunts and dramatic visuals, fans were less than impressed with her seeming reliance on pre-recorded tracks during her performance of chart-topping hits like “Umbrella” and “Only Girl (In The World).” Ironically, the moment that continues to be largely applauded from the previous Super Bowl is the old-fashioned, stripped-down rendition of the National Anthem by Chris Stapleton – another country music stalwart.

Meanwhile, Usher, the perennial R&B hitmaker, has been selected for the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, which follows the controversial Rihanna concert. Given the criticism faced by Rihanna, Usher, who is often praised for his live vocal ability and electrifying performances, has a high standard to maintain to appease fans, critics, and the 100 million-plus viewers expected to tune in. These performances along with the high-stakes sports action make Super Bowl LVIII one of the most anticipated events of 2024.

Reflecting on the broader impact, the selection of McEntire reflects an appreciation for the enduring influence of country music and returns to a renowned tradition of featuring artists with undisputed live singing credibility. The importance of these decisions cannot be overstated. From Stapleton’s deeply resonant rendition of the Anthem in 2023 to McEntire’s expected powerhouse performance in 2024, the National Football League and Roc Nation appear to be recalibrating their commitment to genuine performances at the Super Bowl.

As the nation prepares for a showdown between the NFL’s finest on February 11th, fans can also look forward to a pregame show that promises to deliver pure, authentic American music from three different genres and generations. Reba McEntire, a beloved figure in country music, singing the National Anthem, sets the tone for what is shaping up to be an unforgettable night celebrating America’s most popular sport and some of its most celebrated artists. Super Bowl LVIII, it seems, will not just be a battle for the NFL championship, but also a celebration of American music, culture, and sportsmanship. Ladies and Gentlemen, let the games begin.