The history of national anthem singers at the Super Bowl has changed over the years as in the early days it resembled more a college bowl game with marching bands and dance teams. That changed in 1982 when the NFL set a new precedent when the great Diana Ross changed the game forever.
Since Ross’s performance, major music superstars, including Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, have made the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” must-see television, each adding their unique and diverse interpretation to the pre-game ceremonies. The tradition showcases the talents of some of the biggest names in music and adds to the Super Bowl’s more general cultural relevance.
Today’s rendition from country music star Reba McEntire was no different. The country music legend added her name to the long list of music’s greatest performers, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Complete with steel guitar, and McEntire’s signature country twang, McEntire’s performance lasted exactly one minute and 35 seconds and ended with a flyover from Air Force F-22 fighter jets from nearby Nellis Air Force Base.
Let’s look at the reactions in social media to the runup to McEntire’s performance and then the reaction.
Twitter reacts to Super Bowl 2024 national anthem by Reba McEntire
Is it fair to compare anyone’s rendition to Houston’s?
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones was moved to tears during McEntire’s performance,
With Taylor Swift in the house, fans even took shots at the pop star after McEntire’s performance: