REBA MCENTIRE ON HER 18TH ACM HOSTING GIG AND CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN MUSIC (EXCLUSIVE)
After five decades in the spotlight, Reba McEntire is still proving why she remains one of the most trusted, beloved, and iconic voices in country music. As she prepares to host the ACM Awards for the 18th time, Reba reflects on a career built on heart, hard work, and a love for storytelling that has never faltered.
Speaking candidly in a new exclusive interview, Reba said hosting again feels like “coming home.” The ACMs have been a major part of her journey since the 1980s, and every return to the stage brings back memories of the artists, friendships, and moments that shaped her.
“I’ve been blessed to stand on a lot of stages,” she shared, “but the ACM stage has always felt special. It’s where I’ve grown, changed, learned, and celebrated this amazing industry.”
Her 18th hosting gig is also perfectly timed — because 2025 marks Reba’s 50th year in music. What began as a young rodeo girl from Chockie, Oklahoma singing the national anthem at events has now become a career filled with Grammys, television roles, bestselling books, sold-out tours, and one of the most recognizable voices in American music.
Looking back, Reba says her journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.
“If you stay true to who you are, people feel that,” she said. “Every song I’ve sung, every story I’ve told — it came from a real place. I think fans connect with that honesty.”
This year’s ACM Awards will include a special tribute highlighting Reba’s legacy — from “Fancy” to “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” from sitcom fame to countless award-winning albums. Reba says she’s deeply touched by the recognition, but even more excited to celebrate the future of country music.
“I love seeing these young artists shine,” she added. “If I can help lift them up or give them a moment they’ll remember, then that’s the best part of hosting.”
Despite reaching a half-century milestone, Reba shows no signs of slowing down. She’s back on TV with her hit comedy “Happy’s Place,” she continues to tour, records new music whenever inspiration strikes, and recently earned her 18th Grammy nomination — a feat that left her “grateful and humbled.”
As she steps onto the ACM stage once more, Reba carries with her a lifetime of stories, triumphs, losses, and a deep love for her fans.
“Fifty years in,” she said, smiling, “and I’m still having the time of my life. As long as y’all keep listening, I’ll keep singing.”
Reba McEntire isn’t just celebrating a milestone — she’s reminding the world why she remains the Queen of Country, and why her voice continues to echo across generations.