In a time when innovation is possibly over-prioritized in entertainment, country legend Reba McEntire returns to tradition and elevates it to a level of unsurpassed patriotism. This past Sunday night during Super Bowl LVIII, the 68-year-old singer with a booming voice reinvested our national anthem, “Star-Spangled Banner”, with all its inherent majesty and respect that it rightfully deserves. McEntire, a household name in country music, marked a full circle by repeating history from 50 years back. Ironically, her journey to stardom orbit started in 1974 when she sang it at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma. What followed is an illustrious career offering a potent cocktail of melodious sublimity with steadfast patriotism at its heart.
The point of departure from the tried-and-true approach can sometimes go down as iconic, but often it leaves a desire for the classic and well-respected version. Some of today’s artists are known for reinterpreting our timeless national song, often ending up altering its soul. McEntire, on the contrary, isn’t one to monkey with tradition. In a sparkling outfit and characteristic big belt buckle, she rendered the national song in the traditional way, and the discerning fans loved it. Variety reports that her rendition was supported by a pre-recorded horn section. The performance, complemented with patriotic imagery—fireworks, American flags and stationed troops abroad—was nothing short of a moving tribute to our nation.
In the era of social media where opinions flow like a river, it was no surprise to see showering praises for McEntire. While one user glorified her as a ‘living legend,’ another agreed that her selection was an ‘all-American choice.’ Amidst choruses of approval, one proud American warranted that this is the ultimate display of ‘real patriotism.’
In a press conference preceding her performance at the mega football event, she shed some light on her simple methodology of preparation. Diffusing humor into an otherwise serious matter, she joked that she prepared by singing the national anthem in the shower and during drives with her boyfriend, Rex Linn, a fervid football enthusiast. That’s a playful and personal perspective into McEntire’s delightful demeanor of treating the national anthem with the respect it deserves.
Sharing her interpretation of the performance, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to sing such an important song in front of a global audience. She believes that she is merely representing the song, which essentially salutes all the hardworking individuals whose efforts have maintained our freedom and peace. She reinforced her pride in being chosen to perform the national anthem—a tradition she has upheld for the last 50 years.
This streak of country artists rendering the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl is nothing new. Before McEntire, we witnessed raw and heartfelt performances from Mickey Guyton, Chris Stapleton, and Eric Church with Jazmine Sullivan. The last non-country singer to have performed it on this platform was Demi Lovato in 2020.
In a world that thrives on complicating simplicity, Reba McEntire’s traditional, yet captivating rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition. Despite the many renditions and alterations that the national anthem has gone through, the simplicity of the original version remains unforgettable – a testament to the strength and endurance of the American spirit. With her heartfelt tribute, McEntire adds a new chapter to the ongoing story of the anthem, reminding viewers around the world of the power and importance of this quintessential symbol of patriotism.
