When it was announced that Reba McEntire would perform the national anthem before the Super Bowl, I was thrilled beyond words.

And she certainly lived up to expectations…

Her captivating rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ had the crowd roaring with applause, and viewers at home were equally moved, feeling chills down their spines. The emotional response was evident as Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ defensive lineman, was visibly touched, shedding tears during the performance.

It was a truly unforgettable moment delivered by the three-time Grammy winner – the perfect way to kick off the game!

As we all know, there’s no bigger stage than singing the anthem before the Super Bowl kickoff. With Chris Stapleton’s exceptional performance last year, the anticipation was sky-high for the legendary Oklahoma native.

The applause echoed throughout the stadium as Reba concluded her performance, setting a magnificent tone for the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Taste of Country, 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year that the NFL chose a country singer to perform the national anthem.

A month prior, the 68-year-old Reba shared some intriguing insights about her performance. During an interview with CBS Mornings, the country star revealed that she accepted the invitation to sing the national anthem for a specific reason.

“When my manager delivered the news… he mentioned they wanted me to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. I was taken aback and said, ‘Oh my gosh, let me think about that,'” McEntire recounted. “But Rex Linn, my boyfriend and a huge football fan, immediately exclaimed, ‘Yes! She’ll do it! Absolutely!'”

According to Reba, she prepared diligently for the big moment – practicing tirelessly.

“I’ve been singing the national anthem in the shower and during car rides,” McEntire shared.

She also expressed feeling “honored beyond words” to sing at the Super Bowl for the first time, revealing to Apple Music host Nadeska Alexis, “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. It’s not about me – I’m the representation of this song, and I’m just honored to get to sing it. It’s a good one. I’ve been doing it for 50 years, and I’m really proud to get to sing it.”