The 2025 ACM Awards started with something rare: pure, unfiltered emotion. Reba McEntire’s opening performance wasn’t just a show—it was a homecoming for country music itself.
As the lights dimmed, the usual award show glitz disappeared. Instead, Reba stood alone, her voice steady and sincere. She spoke to the people who’ve been overlooked—the ones with dirt under their nails and pride in their veins. This wasn’t just a nod to tradition; it was a full embrace of the stories that built country music.
Then came “Okie from Muskogee.” The classic tune, once a protest anthem, now felt like a rallying cry. Reba didn’t just sing it—she poured every ounce of her soul into it. The audience sat frozen, some with tears streaming down their faces. This wasn’t entertainment—it was recognition.
The standing ovation wasn’t polite—it was explosive. Because in that moment, Reba had done more than perform; she’d reminded everyone why they loved country music in the first place.
Producers later called it “the soul of America on stage.” And they were right. The rest of the night had fireworks and fanfare, but nothing compared to Reba’s quiet, powerful truth.
