Reba McEntire Opens 2025 ACMs With Powerful Tribute to the “Forgotten Country Hearts”

FRISCO, TEXAS — The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards kicked off with a moment of raw authenticity, as country legend Reba McEntire took the stage and delivered a message that resonated far beyond the music. In a deeply personal opening, she paid tribute to the “real people” behind country music—and left thousands in tears with a powerful rendition of Merle Haggard’s classic, Okie from Muskogee.

With grace, vulnerability, and strength, Reba reminded the world that country music is not just entertainment—it’s heritage, heart, and truth.

Instead of fanfare, Reba’s entrance was marked by silence and spotlight. The Ford Center dimmed, and the Queen of Country stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion before she could even begin. Then came the words that set the tone for the night:

“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.”

The crowd fell silent. What followed was a performance that transcended the stage.

As Reba began singing Okie from Muskogee—Merle Haggard’s 1969 anthem celebrating small-town values—something sacred filled the room. Each lyric, sung with lived-in emotion, reminded audiences that country music is a voice for those often unheard.

From fans in the rafters to stars on the front row, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Fellow artists embraced. Young performers stood frozen. Even the most seasoned attendees admitted they hadn’t expected to be moved so deeply, so quickly.

The performance concluded with a full standing ovation lasting over a minute, a rare and heartfelt salute not just to Reba, but to the spirit of the genre she represents.

Facebook/ACM – Academy of Country Music

Shortly after the broadcast, ACM executive producer Ben Winston captured the sentiment perfectly:

“We knew Reba would bring heart. What we didn’t expect was for her to bring the soul of America to the stage.”

This wasn’t just an award show opener. It was a defining moment in country music history.