Posted: April 28, 2008
College Newspaper: Spectator

A music legend visited Valdosta over the weekend and rocked one of the largest crowds that Wild Adventures had seen in years.

Reba McEntire, the most nominated woman in country music history, flew into Valdosta from California before taking the stage Saturday evening.

Coming out performing one of her signature songs, “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” it was clear that McEntire’s performing persona had changed in the last ten years. While she would change costumes and be very theatrical in the past, she came out in sleeveless top and a pair of jeans.

McEntire then did something that few artist who is touring in support of a CD rarely does - she performed many of her past hits. From “Walk On,” “Little Rock,” “Is There Life Out There?,” and my personal favorite, “And Still,” McEntire took the crowd on a musical carpet
ride through her musical past.

Her latest album, “Reba Duets,” is an album of just that, duets, she performed her song with Carole King, “Everyday People,” alone. Her duet partner for “Because of You,” Kelly Clarkson, was busy in New York performing for the Pope.

McEntire told the crowd how Clarkson reacted when invited to record a duet with her idol.

“I sure hope she didn’t tell the Pope ‘right on’ like she did me,” McEntire joked.

After performing for over an hour and a half, McEntire left the stage for a few moments. She soon emerged in a red, sparkly dancing dress to the opening chords of her signature song, “Fancy.”

The crowd was estatic and four minutes later, McEntire was gone after giving the crowd a concert that they would never forget.