“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine a dazzling evening at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, where the stage lights twinkle like stars in the night sky. On May 8, 2025, the 60th ACM Awards begins, and none other than Reba McEntire—the queen of country music with her fiery red hair and warm smile—steps onto the stage, capturing the hearts of thousands in the audience. The crowd erupts in applause, but as Reba begins to speak, the entire arena falls into a hushed, emotional silence.
A Message That Touches the Heart
Reba, with her warm, sincere voice, opens with a message that is more than a greeting—it’s a proclamation. She looks directly at the audience, her eyes sparkling with empathy, and says, “I’m here to dedicate this love to the real people—those who’ve been looked down on, called country bumpkins, mocked just for daring to be themselves.” Her words pierce through the heart like an arrow, awakening personal memories for everyone in the room. Some quietly wipe away tears, others tightly grasp the hand of the person next to them, as if Reba is speaking their own life stories.
Her message is not just a tribute but a call to take pride in one’s roots, in authenticity in a world full of pretense. In that moment, country music transcends mere sound—it becomes a story of resilience, of ordinary yet powerful people. The audience, from lifelong fans to new faces, feels a profound connection, as if Reba is embracing each one of them with her words.
The Heart-Melting Performance of “Okie from Muskogee”
And then, like a breeze sweeping through a wheat field, Reba begins to sing “Okie from Muskogee”—the timeless classic by Merle Haggard, an anthem of rural pride from 1969. Her voice, powerful yet tender, rings out like storytelling, each lyric carved with emotion. “We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee / We don’t take our trips on LSD…”—these melodies are more than lyrics; they paint a vivid picture of a simple life, of the enduring values of humble yet proud people.
The stage is designed with simplicity but deep meaning, bathed in warm golden light like a sunset, with images of a small town projected in the background, evoking red dirt roads and wooden homes of Muskogee. Reba, in a sparkling gown that still exudes a rustic charm, moves across the stage with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller. She doesn’t just sing—she lives every word, making the audience feel as though they’re standing beside her, breathing the air of Oklahoma.
The arena explodes with emotion. Silent tears fall, not from sadness but from the overwhelming feeling of seeing their own stories celebrated. Older audience members hold hands, smiling as they recall days gone by, while younger fans rise to their feet, clapping relentlessly, as if discovering newfound pride in their heritage. This is Reba’s power—she doesn’t just perform; she weaves an invisible thread connecting everyone, bridging the past and present.
A Historic Medley That Ignites the Stage
But the “Okie from Muskogee” moment is only the beginning. Reba guides the audience into a 12-minute musical journey, a spectacular medley honoring the Songs of the Year from six decades of the ACM Awards. The stage comes alive like never before as legends and contemporary stars join in. Clint Black with his soulful voice, Wynonna Judd with explosive energy, LeAnn Rimes with sweet emotion, Little Big Town with perfect harmony, and Dan + Shay with modern flair—all blend into a vibrant musical tapestry.
Each song in the medley is a precious gem, from traditional country tunes to modern hits, performed with reverence and passion. The audience can’t stay still—they sing along, clap, and even dance in place. The stage bursts with light and color, but Reba remains the focal point, a guiding flame connecting every generation of country music.
A Night of Pride and Emotion
Reba McEntire’s opening at the 2025 ACM Awards is not just a performance—it’s a soul-stirring experience. She transforms the stage into a home, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and reminded of their worth. Her message of authenticity, the deeply emotional “Okie from Muskogee,” and the breathtaking medley create an unforgettable night where country music becomes the voice of kindred hearts.