Reba McEntire represented country music at Super Bowl LVIII.
The singer took the field ahead of the championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers to sing the national anthem โ a first for McEntire. She wore an ivory sequined blazer and black pants with sequined embroidery, and her performance of the anthem took on a country twang.
While sheโs never sung at the Super Bowl, her performance went off without a hitch and was well-received by NFL players and fans alike.
โReba McEntire proving why sheโs a living legend,โ one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. โNo gimmicks needed.โ
Another commented, โI had goose bumps. #Reba did a good job.โ
In addition to praising her vocal talents, many others commented on her appearance.
โReba does not age. HOW?!?!?!?!โ one person asked.
Reba McEntire attends Super Bowl LVIII
Ahead of McEntireโs performance, singer Andra Day wowed the crowd with a rendition of โLift Every Voice and Sing.โ Rapperย Post Maloneย took the stage during the pre-show as well for a stripped down version of โAmerica the Beautiful.โ He sang the song and accompanied himself on acoustic guitar.
Taylor Swift, who will collaborate with Malone on a track on her upcoming album, was seen smiling and swaying while watching his performance.
Ashley Avignone, left, Ice Spice, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively talk before Super Bowl LVIII
Usher is to headline theย halftime showย later in the evening.
In a press conference in Las Vegas on Thursday, McEntire spoke about how much she loves the city and that sheโs โtickled to piecesโ to be part of the first Super Bowl there.
โI have never sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl. I am honored beyond words to be chosen to get to sing it. It means that I get to sing a very special song for all Americans, people all around the world who have really worked so hard for our freedom and to give us peace,โ she said.
โItโs not about me. Iโm the representation of this song, and Iโm just honored to get to sing it. Itโs a good one. Iโve been doing it for 50 years, and Iโm really proud to get to sing it.โ
Reba McEntireย
To get ready for her big moment, she said, โIโve been singing the national anthem in the shower, when we get in the car. Rex, my boyfriend, is a huge football fan, played all sports when he was going to school. And, so, heโll say, โOK, sing it one more time.โ Iโll say, โI think I know the words real good right now, so Iโm all right.โโ
โBut just to be prepared and know that everybodyโs going to be singing it with me. That helps,โ she continued. โIf I know that theyโre singing along, and theyโre remembering and having fun, too, thatโs easier on me. Just be prepared when you walk out there.โ
