The legendary Reba McEntire was one of 2018’s five honorees at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors alongside Cher, Wayne Shorter, Philip Glass, and the creators of the musical Hamilton.
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Musicians and singers from all genres were on hand to perform, paying tribute to all the honorees. Lady Antebellum, Brooks and Dunn, Kelly Clarkson, and Broadway star Kristen Chenoweth paid tribute to our favorite red head.
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Clarkson, who just so happens to be McEntire’s daughter-in-law, showed up as a surprise for her musical “hero.” While speaking before her performance, Clarkson got teary-eyed.
“Sometimes when we meet our heroes, it doesn’t always pan out how you hope. But meeting Reba — being friends with her, and eventually becoming family — has been one of the highlights of my life, truly. So thank you so much for listening to me vent as an artist. Thank you so much for comforting me on the phone through my tears, like a friend. And thank you for being a really rad grandma for my kids. I love you so much. I hope you enjoy this song,” Clarkson said, before joking, “Don’t judge me!”
She then started a powerful rendition of McEntire’s hit song “Fancy,” which had the country legend smiling from ear-to-ear the entire time. After Clarkson sang the last note, McEntire jumped to her feet.
While being interviewed after all the festivities, McEntire revealed her true feelings about Clarkson’s performance.
“I think she KILLED it on ‘Fancy.’ She’s such a wonderful singer,” she said before admitting something huge. “She had a few licks that I thought, ‘Hmm, I might try that next time.’ I probably won’t hit it because she’s got such a large range, but I’m gonna try!”
For a legend like McEntire to be inspired to change the way she sings her own song is a huge compliment!
Watch McEntire’s interview below.