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Reba McEntire receives internet wrath as she gives country twist to National Anthem during Super Bowl LVIII

Reba McEntire performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' followed by Post Malone's 'America the Beautiful'

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Reba McEntire seized the spotlight as she took the stage at Allegiant Stadium to kick off Super Bowl LVIII with a rendition of the National Anthem. Adding her signature country twist to 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' McEntire's performance, however, faced criticism from viewers who dubbed it the 'worst.' Remarkably, 2024 marked a significant anniversary for the country superstar, recalling her association with the song. McEntire's journey with the anthem began 50 years ago when she sang it at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in her home state of Oklahoma at the age of 19.

Despite the scrutiny, McEntire made a bold fashion statement in a tan blazer, black shirt, beaded fringe jeans, and a giant belt buckle for her latest performance. Notably, her rendition featured a more fully orchestrated arrangement compared to other recent versions.

This marked her first time singing it at the Super Bowl, but McEntire had previously performed the anthem at a World Series baseball game in Cleveland in 1997. However, the singer's performance received backlash from the viewers.

A social media user wrote, "Honestly disappointed Reba didn’t sing our other national anthem….. A single mom who works too hard."Another person added, "Chris Stapleton set a bar with the national anthem last year. Reba was never gonna beat that no matter how Star Spangled her Banner was."

Another critic noted, "Reba’s National Anthem not my fav #SuperBowl." Another internet user penned, "Lazy performance, have definitely heard better!" Another viewer said, "Reba? That was the worst rendition ever, b!"

Reba McEntire expresses her joy to perform at Super Bowl LVIII

In January, the NFL unveiled the pregame performance lineup leading into the highly anticipated championship match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Reba McEntire took the stage to perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' followed by Post Malone's rendition of 'America the Beautiful,' and Andra Day closing with 'Lift Every Voice and Sing.'

McEntire expressed her joy and honor at performing during Super Bowl LVIII. In a statement, the singer shared, "2024 marks 50 years since I was discovered singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo." She added, "I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary."

Reba McEntire's Super Bowl LVIII performance brings Chiefs star Chris Jones to tears

Reba McEntire's rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' stirred emotions, bringing Chiefs star Chris Jones to tears. The CBScamera captured the moment during the opening of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium, showing Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Jones with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also appeared visibly moved toward the end of the national anthem. Notably, McEntire concluded her performance in approximately 95 seconds.

McEntire had dedicated months to preparing for her Super Bowl performance in 2024 for months and her boyfriend Rex Linn also helped in preparing for her huge performance.