The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards began with a moment that will be etched in the annals of country music history. Reba McEntire, the undisputed “Queen of Country Music,” stood motionless on the stage in Frisco, Texas, as thousands of fans held their breath. The air was thick with anticipation, and then, with a voice that trembled with emotion, she spoke words that struck a chord deep in the hearts of everyone watching: “This is for anyone who’s ever been looked down on, called a country bumpkin, or laughed at for simply being real.” What followed was a performance of Okie from Muskogee that transcended music—it became a rallying cry for every underdog with country roots, delivered with the grit, grace, and love that only Reba McEntire could muster.
As the first notes of the Merle Haggard classic filled the Ford Center at The Star, the crowd fell silent, hanging on every word. McEntire’s voice, a timeless blend of power and vulnerability, carried the weight of decades of struggle and triumph. Then, as the song built, the silence shattered—applause erupted, followed by tears streaming down faces in the audience. For those watching at home, the moment was no less powerful. Social media exploded with reactions, with one fan on X writing, “Reba just spoke for every small-town kid who’s ever felt less-than. I’m sobbing.” Another declared, “That wasn’t just a performance—it was a sermon.”
McEntire, now 70, has spent over four decades in the spotlight, amassing a legacy that includes 16 ACM Awards, 24 number-one hits, and a recent role as a coach on The Voice. But her performance at the 2025 ACM Awards reminded the world why she remains the heart and soul of country music. Choosing Okie from Muskogee, a song often associated with traditional values and rural pride, was no accident. Originally released by Haggard in 1969, the song has long been a touchstone for those who feel overlooked by urban elites—a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s polarized cultural landscape. McEntire’s rendition, however, added a layer of raw emotion, transforming it into an anthem for authenticity and resilience.
The significance of her words and song choice wasn’t lost on the country music community. McEntire, who grew up on a cattle ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, has often spoken about her own experiences with being underestimated. In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, she recalled, “I was just a girl from the country, and people didn’t always take me seriously. But I knew who I was, and I never let that stop me.” Her performance at the ACM Awards felt like a full-circle moment—a celebration of her roots and a tribute to those who share them. As she sang, her voice cracking with emotion on the line “We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,” it was clear she wasn’t just performing; she was pouring her heart out for every forgotten soul who’s ever felt the sting of judgment.
The 2025 ACM Awards, already a night of high stakes with nominations for artists like Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson, became something more because of McEntire. Her opening act set the tone for an evening that celebrated the heart of country music—its ability to tell stories of real people, their struggles, and their triumphs. By the time she finished, the standing ovation lasted nearly three minutes, a testament to the power of her message. Reba McEntire didn’t just open the show; she opened hearts, reminding us all of the enduring strength found in being unapologetically real.
