Reba McEntire delivered a powerful rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ ahead of the Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The 68-year-old country superstar, clad in bedazzled black jeans and a metallic beige blazer with a statement belt, captured the attention of players, coaches, Super Bowl attendees, and global military service members tuning in from home.
Reba’s performance, marked by both talent and emotion, moved many to tears. Cameras captured Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones getting immersed in the lyrics and visibly shedding tears.
Tears run as Reba McEntire sings the US National Anthem 🇺🇸😢 pic.twitter.com/TvJlKSM7bU
— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) February 11, 2024
As the National Anthem concluded, a U.S. Navy flyover added a poignant touch to the atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration for Reba’s performance. One fan on X remarked, “So much emotion going around tonight,” while another wrote, “This was pretty awesome. Kudos to #KansasCityChiefs DT Chris Jones for his raw emotion during the National Anthem.”
In addition to Reba, the pre-game entertainment featured performances by Post Malone and Andra Day.
This ain’t my first rodeo! I’d never have imagined when I sang the anthem at the National Finals Rodeo 50 years ago that I’d be singing it today at the Super Bowl. I’m so honored to be part of this and hope you’ll tune in on @CBS at 3PM PT! 🇺🇸 #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/gFR7kKTTZT
— Reba McEntire (@reba) February 11, 2024
Although this marked Reba’s first time singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, she has previously performed ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ numerous times throughout her illustrious career. Notably, she was discovered while singing the anthem 50 years ago at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma, marking the beginning of her remarkable career that spans decades.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary,” Reba expressed in a statement at the time of her performance announcement. “I’m honored to be part of something as big and historic as the Super Bowl coming to Las Vegas for the first time. 2024 marks 50 years since I was discovered singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo. And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary,” she shared on X.