Reba McEntire ignited social media with her powerful rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.
As McEntire sang, the broadcast alternated between shots of soldiers deployed in South Korea and the American-flag-adorned Las Vegas dome. At one poignant moment, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle was visibly moved to tears.
Despite minor audio issues, McEntire’s performance received widespread praise on social media.
“Reba killed it,” exclaimed former NFL punter turned football pundit Pat McAfee.
Commentator Clay Travis remarked, “Post Malone and Reba McEntire both killed that. And, by the way, no player in the NFL that I’m aware of still kneels for the anthem. It’s pretty amazing how that trend just completely vanished. And how ratings have set all-time records since it ended.”
McEntire, a renowned country music artist, has a long history of performing the National Anthem, dating back to 1974.
This year’s Super Bowl lineup also featured Post Malone singing “America The Beautiful” and Andra Day performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
In a previous interview with Good Morning America, McEntire shared her approach to preparing for such high-profile performances: “You just warm up like you do a concert and sing it about five or six times and get in there and do it.”
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.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 11, 2024