Reba McEntire stood still on the opening stage of the 2025 ACMs, her voice choked up in front of thousands of waiting, then suddenly said: “I sing this song for everyone who has ever been looked down upon, who has ever been called a country bumpkin, who has ever been laughed at just because they are real,” and when the melody of “Okie from Muskogee” rang out, the whole audience fell silent – then each hand clapped, each tear began to fall, an unofficial anthem for forgotten country hearts, sung by the “Queen of Country Music” herself with a heart full of love, Reba not only opened the awards night – she opened a crack in each listener, allowing memories, pride and tears to flood back.
Reba McEntire Opens 2025 ACM Awards With Powerful Message to “Real People” — And Leaves Thousands in Tears With Merle Haggard Tribute FRISCO, TEXAS – Country music royalty took the stage on Thursday night,...