Posted: April 21, 2008
College Newspaper: Spectator

Reba McEntire is one of the greatest female country performers of all time. Artist from every genre, such as Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, and LeAnn Rimes, grew up idolizing the most nominated woman in country music history.

Reba will come to Valdosta for the first time this Saturday, performing at Wild Adventures.

Her first number one hit, “Can’t Even Get the Blues” was released in 1983 when I was just three-years-old and I have been a fan since. I have longed called her my second “Mama,” whether my real mother liked it or not.

The first real album that I ever owned was her 1987’s “What Am I Going to Do about You.”

I don’t remember what it was about Reba McEntire that drew me to her. As I grew older, it was her singing ability and her business skills. She started Starstruck Studios in Nashville and began managing new artist, including Valdosta native Rhett Akins.

Yes, I even had the long curly hair in high school, trying to style it just like Reba except I ended up looking like a poodle instead.

I saw her in concert a few times and I admit, I cried when I had six row seats for her “A Singer’s Diary” tour in 2000.

That was the last time I saw her.

Reba took a break from the music industry to star in a hit television show, “Reba,” on The WB (now called The CW). I watched the show religiously and bought the episodes on DVD when they were released.

I was heartbroken when the show finally ended after it’s sixth season.

With her hit television show behind her, Reba decided to record an album that she had longed to create - a duets album.

With the help of such artist as Justin Timberlake, Clarkson, Rascal Flatts, and Carole King, Reba wrote and recorded “Reba Duets.” The album was released last September and debuted at number one on both the Billboard country and pop charts - a feet she had never accomplished before. She recently finished touring with her “Because of You” duet partner, Clarkson, on the “2 Worlds, 2 Voices” tour.

Now she’s coming to Valdosta for one of her rare solo shows.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. and is free with park admission. Reserved seats are still available at an extra cost.