These Pictures of a Young Reba McEntire Prove She's Always Been a Star (2024)

As any fan ofThe Voiceknows, the music industry isachallengingspace, and few stars have burned as brightly and for as long as Reba McEntire.

Boasting a prolific career with several awards and accoladesunder her belt, McEntire has cemented herself as one of the most iconic country singers of all time, deliveringhit after hit, decade after decade.

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Fewartists can saythey'vebeen charming crowds for half a century, but McEntire is not a typical act — and she'salso atalented actress, producer, andtelevision personality. Whethershe'sserving up laughs or penning a traditional country ballad, McEntire has seamlessly evolved with the times while never faltering on her beloved authenticity and country roots.

Now a beloved Coach ofThe Voice, McEntire remains a powerhouse performer 50 years after her career began.

Reba McEntire got her big break in 1974

McEntire began taking the world by storm right after earning herbachelor'sat Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

AccordingtoIMDb, McEntirefirst gained recognition after she performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at OklahomaCity's1974 National Finals Rodeo.Countrystar Red Steagallwas in attendance and, captivated, invited her and her family to his afterparty. Aftersome industry chat, McEntire was ready to hit the ground running.

Reba McEntire quickly became a countrysensation

A year after crossing paths with Steagall, McEntire and her mother moved to Nashville to begin recording a demo, signing with Glenn Keener toPolyGram/Mercury Records.

McEntirebegangaining traction with her 1979 sophom*ore studio releaseOut of a Dream, which featured her first megahit, a cover of PatsyCline's"SweetDreams,"(originally recorded by Don Gibson).

Reba McEntire in 1982

From the fabulous curls to the colorful fit, McEntire has always had a penchant for showmanship, whetherthat bewithin her trademark style orherenergizing setlists.

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In1983, McEntire earned widespread acclaim for her country classic"Can'tEven Get the Blues,"scoring her a No. 1 spot onBillboard'scountry charts.

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry in 1985

There was a lot of star power in attendance at the 60th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, especially after songstressesDolly Partonand McEntire arrivedon the scene. Thetwo stars have remained friends for decades.

In a September 2023 interview withNewsweek, McEntire revealed that Parton is also a longtime role model of hers.

"Igrew up listening toDolly Parton when she had herveryfirst album,My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy.I love that album because she wrote songs and told a story. Ilike a song that tells a story..."McEntire revealed, lateradding"Dolly and I, we just love,we'renot here to judge or to preach. Welove what we get to do."

Reba McEntire at the 1985 CMA Awards

By the mid-80s, McEntire hadtrulyhit her stride, already collecting adoration for her passion and jaw-dropping skill.

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McEntirescored her first Country Music Award in 1984 for Top New Female Vocalist, thenproceeded to takehome the title again in 1985and1986.

Reba McEntire Accepting Her 1986CMA

McEntire looked stunning while accepting her 1986 Country Music Award.

Today, she is the proud recipient of six CMAs (as well as15American Music Awardsand dozens of other prestigious honors).

RebaMcEntire in 1988

McEntire has the audience inthe palm ofher hand during this 1988 performance.

Ina 2018 interview withThe Saturday Evening Post, McEntire revealed how she has achieved such immense success while staying grounded.

"I’mthe first toadmit,I’mvery competitive,"McEntire explained."I love to play games, and I love to win, but when I lose,I’mthe first one to start clapping and say,'Congratulations, nowlet’sdo it again becauseI’mgoing to whip your butt.'"

RebaMcEntire'sbig red hair has always been her trademark

Who would McEntire be without her trademark crimson hairdo? WhiletheVoiceCoach has donned several different hairstyles throughout her illustrious career, many fans would agreeMcEntire's bright red curlsare one of her most iconic looks.

IfMcEntire'sangelic vocalsdidn'tsteal the show during this 1990 performance, her magnificent hairdocertainlydid the trick.

Reba McEntire and KennyRogers'1991 Movie Premiere

McEntire has brushed shoulders withsomelegendary country stars throughout her esteemed tenure, including the larger-than-life Kenny Rogers.

In1991, the"Islands in the Stream"singer and McEntire were the talk of the town after attending the premiere of their filmThe Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.Rogers and McEntire co-starred in the Western flick inspired byRogers'smash hit"The Gambler."

Reba McEntire gave a heart-wrenching speech at the 1993AMAs

McEntire looked downright gorgeous at the 1993 American Music Awards, where her albumFor My Broken Heartwon Favorite Country Album against fellow nomineesGarth Brooksand Billy Ray Cyrus.

Inheracceptance speech,McEntire revealed that she'd made the album to pay tribute to her former bandmates after they lost their lives in a 1991 plane crash, and then dedicated the award to the friends and families of her beloved band.

Reba McEntire as a Young Mom with Her Son,Shelby

Years after McEntire became the bona fide"Queen of Country,"in February 1990, she claimed one of her most cherished titlesof all— mother.

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Thebirth ofMcEntire'sson,Shelby Blackstock, was an exciting milestone for the country songstress, who was keen to capture his adorable dimples in this early 90s photoshoot featuring a delightful amount of denim.

Reba McEntire and Shelby at the 1996 CMTs

Always afan of an outing with her little one,Shelby joinedMcEntire on the red carpet for the 1996 CMTs.

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McEntire even insisted on sporting a chic cream-toned suit to match her son, who looked downright dashing in his all-black rendition of the fit.

Reba McEntire at the 1999People'sChoiceAwards

Can you get more Y2K thanthisphoto of McEntire attending the 1999People'sChoice Awards? Swappingout her trademark curls for a sleek pixie cut, McEntire looked elegant as she walked the red carpet withfellow sitcom starRay Romano.

Theceremony historically loves her — between her smash music career and beloved sitcom, McEntire has collected 10People'sChoice Awards. She also holds the honor of having one of the most successful "big chops" in haircut history.

RebaMcEntire's2000s sitcomRebawas comedygold

We have another Dolly sighting! Checkout this country-lovingRebascene from Season 4 Episode 18("Reba'sRules of Real Estate"), in which Parton guest-starred.

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Running from 2001 to 2007, the eponymous sitcom was a smash success, earning McEntire aPeople'sChoice Awardfor Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series.

Reba McEntire with a Young Kelly Clarkson in 2006

McEntire has been crushing country singles for decades, soit'sno wonder she has an eye for talent and rising stars. Afew years afterKelly Clarksontook the worldby stormby winningAmerican Idolin 2002, McEntire had a blast performing with the"Since U Been Gone"singer.

RELATED:Watch Kelly Clarkson and RebaMcEntire'sAll-Time Best Duets

Fatewould have it thatboth powerhouse performerswould later become Coaches ofThe Voiceand perform many infectious hits together.

Reba McEntire with Her Son Shelby in 2018

Overa decade after McEntire brought Shelby to the 1996 CMAs, he joined his mother at the 2018 Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala, where she was all smiles.

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Ina 2022 interview withPeople, McEntire called Shelby her"Gift from God."

"We’revery close,"McEntire said."I was a very self-centered person to a degree before Shelby.But, thenthere’sa little character,whoyouare giventhe job to protectand nurture andlove and teach, so all theattention’snot on you anymore."

RebaMcEntire's National Anthem at the 2024 Super Bowl

McEntire celebrated amajormilestone in 2024 after being tapped to sing thenational anthem during Super Bowl LVIII. But, as fans — and readers — are aware, this was far fromMcEntire'sfirst rodeo with "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"I’vebeen singing the song for 50 years,"McEntire toldTODAYahead of the game."This is my 50th anniversary since I sang [the national anthem] at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1974...I’mreally excited."

See more of McEntire and Team Reba by watchingThe VoiceonNBCandPeaco*ck.