The 2024 Super Bowl was a thrilling game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, but before the action started, the audience was treated to a spectacular pregame show. One of the highlights was the national anthem, sung by none other than Reba McEntire, the legendary country music star and actress. Here is everything you need to know about Reba McEntire and her iconic performance at Super Bowl LVIII.
Reba McEntireâs Iconic Performance at Super Bowl LVIII
Reba McEntire is a household name in the country music scene, with more than 30 studio albums, 28 number one singles, and 16 Academy of Country Music Awards. She is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. She has also starred in several movies and TV shows, such as âRebaâ, âTremorsâ, and âCODAâ.
At Super Bowl LVIII, Reba McEntire delivered a stunning rendition of âThe Star-Spangled Bannerâ, the national anthem of the United States. She wore a glittery silver jacket, black leggings, and a belt with a large gold buckle. She was accompanied by Daniel Durant, an actor who performed the anthem in American Sign Language.
Hailing Twilightâs Last Gleaming for 50 Years
Reba McEntireâs performance was not only impressive, but also historic. She became the first person to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl twice, having previously done so in 1993 at Super Bowl XXVII. She also marked the 50th anniversary of the first time the anthem was sung at the Super Bowl, by Lloyd Geisler in 1969.
Joined by Special Guests
Reba McEntire was not the only musical star to grace the Super Bowl stage. Before her, Post Malone sang âAmerica the Beautifulâ, a patriotic song that has been performed at every Super Bowl since 2009. Post Malone is a popular rapper and singer, known for his songs like âRockstarâ, âSunflowerâ, and âCirclesâ. He also collaborated with Reba McEntire on a song called âNot That Fancyâ in 2023.
Another pregame performer was Andra Day, who sang âLift Every Voice and Singâ, also known as the Black national anthem. Andra Day is a Grammy-nominated singer and actress, who starred in the biopic âThe United States vs. Billie Holidayâ in 2021. She also sang âRise Upâ at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Previous National Anthem Performers and Length History
Reba McEntire joined a long list of famous singers who have performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Some of the most memorable ones include Whitney Houston in 1991, BeyoncĂ© in 2004, Lady Gaga in 2016, and Chris Stapleton in 2023. The national anthem has been performed at all but one Super Bowl since 1967, when Vikki Carr sang âAmerica the Beautifulâ instead.
One of the fun facts about the national anthem at the Super Bowl is the length of the performance. The average length of the anthem is about 1 minute and 55 seconds, but some singers have gone over or under that mark. The longest anthem was sung by Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church in 2021, at 2 minutes and 17 seconds. The shortest anthem was sung by Billy Joel in 1989, at 1 minute and 29 seconds. Reba McEntireâs performance in 2024 was 1 minute and 58 seconds, slightly above the average.
Super Bowl LVIII Pregame Entertainment
The pregame entertainment at Super Bowl LVIII was not limited to music. There were also some other features that added to the excitement and spectacle of the event. One of them was the flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a squadron of fighter jets that performed aerial maneuvers over the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Thunderbirds are based at the nearby Nellis Air Force Base and have been performing since 1953.
Another feature was the Spongebob Squarepants-themed broadcast on Nickelodeon, a childrenâs TV network. The broadcast included special graphics, animations, and commentary that appealed to younger viewers. For example, the end zones were filled with slime, the players had googly eyes, and the announcers made references to the popular cartoon characters. The broadcast also included a special performance by Spongebob and his friends, who sang âSweet Victoryâ, a song from the show.
Reflection on Reba McEntireâs Impact at Super Bowl LVIII
Reba McEntireâs performance at Super Bowl LVIII was widely praised by fans and critics alike. Many people commented on her powerful and emotional voice, her flawless delivery, and her patriotic spirit. She also received compliments from her fellow performers, such as Post Malone and Andra Day, who expressed their admiration and respect for her.
Reba McEntireâs performance at Super Bowl LVIII was not only a great show, but also a continuation of her legacy in the music industry. She has been one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, with a career spanning over four decades. She has also been a trailblazer for women in music, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of singers. She has shown that she is not only a talented performer, but also a versatile and resilient artist.
Conclusion
Reba McEntire was the star of the pregame show at Super Bowl LVIII, singing the national anthem for the second time in her career. She was joined by other musical guests, such as Post Malone, Andra Day, and Spongebob Squarepants. She also marked the 50th anniversary of the first anthem performance at the Super Bowl, and added to her impressive resume of achievements. Reba McEntire proved once again why she is the Queen of Country Music and a national treasure.
