Review: Reba wows the Roundup with fan favorites
BY NIZ PROSKOCIL
Reba McEntire has appeared on television, in movies and on the Broadway stage, but on Saturday night McEntire did what she does best.
The country-music superstar dazzled a sold-out crowd at the Qwest Center Omaha with a 11/2-hour concert that featured a variety of hits spanning her 25-plus year career.
McEntire's 2004 concert tour is her first in four years as she has focused primarily on her popular TV sitcom, "Reba."
Her return to the concert stage was met with enthusiasm from audience members, many of whom pressed to the front of the stage on the dirt-filled arena floor, where minutes before cowboys and bulls had been the main attraction.
Her Omaha performance was part of the annual River City Roundup, which continues today at the Qwest Center.
After a video screen flashed McEntire's commercial for Habitat for Humanity, the singer sashayed to center stage wearing black pants and a sparkly black sleeveless shirt.
McEntire kicked off her show with her 1999 hit "We're So Good Together" and followed that with 1986's "Whoever's in New England," which went all the way to No. 1.
After that, the 49-year-old Grammy winner addressed the crowd. "It's good to be back in Omaha again," she yelled as fans clapped and cheered wildly. "I've picked out some of my favorite songs. Hopefully, they're some of your favorites, too."
Classic hits represented in McEntire's set included "How Was I to Know," "Love Sneaking Up on You" and her cover of "That's the Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."
McEntire also performed tunes from her latest album, 2003's "Room to Breathe." There was "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain," the rousing "Love Revival," her latest single, "He Gets That From Me," and her 22nd No. 1 hit, "Somebody."
Throughout the night, the petite redhead was full of energy as she moved across the stage, singing, smiling and waving at fans.
With her powerful voice and charisma, it's no wonder McEntire is considered a chief influence on a number of female country stars, including Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill.
She dedicated "Forever Love" to the troops in Iraq and their families. "It's very important that we never stop supporting our armed forces," she said.
Crowd pleasers included, "I'm a Survivor," the theme song of McEntire's TV show, and "Does He Love You?," her No. 1 duet with singer Linda Davis, who was part of McEntire's nine-member backing band.
For her encore, McEntire closed out the night with her spunky hit "Fancy," which was clearly a fan favorite that brought the crowd to its feet.
CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
Reba McEntire has appeared on television, in movies and on the Broadway stage, but on Saturday night McEntire did what she does best.
The country-music superstar dazzled a sold-out crowd at the Qwest Center Omaha with a 11/2-hour concert that featured a variety of hits spanning her 25-plus year career.
McEntire's 2004 concert tour is her first in four years as she has focused primarily on her popular TV sitcom, "Reba."
Her return to the concert stage was met with enthusiasm from audience members, many of whom pressed to the front of the stage on the dirt-filled arena floor, where minutes before cowboys and bulls had been the main attraction.
Her Omaha performance was part of the annual River City Roundup, which continues today at the Qwest Center.
After a video screen flashed McEntire's commercial for Habitat for Humanity, the singer sashayed to center stage wearing black pants and a sparkly black sleeveless shirt.
McEntire kicked off her show with her 1999 hit "We're So Good Together" and followed that with 1986's "Whoever's in New England," which went all the way to No. 1.
After that, the 49-year-old Grammy winner addressed the crowd. "It's good to be back in Omaha again," she yelled as fans clapped and cheered wildly. "I've picked out some of my favorite songs. Hopefully, they're some of your favorites, too."
Classic hits represented in McEntire's set included "How Was I to Know," "Love Sneaking Up on You" and her cover of "That's the Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."
McEntire also performed tunes from her latest album, 2003's "Room to Breathe." There was "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain," the rousing "Love Revival," her latest single, "He Gets That From Me," and her 22nd No. 1 hit, "Somebody."
Throughout the night, the petite redhead was full of energy as she moved across the stage, singing, smiling and waving at fans.
With her powerful voice and charisma, it's no wonder McEntire is considered a chief influence on a number of female country stars, including Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill.
She dedicated "Forever Love" to the troops in Iraq and their families. "It's very important that we never stop supporting our armed forces," she said.
Crowd pleasers included, "I'm a Survivor," the theme song of McEntire's TV show, and "Does He Love You?," her No. 1 duet with singer Linda Davis, who was part of McEntire's nine-member backing band.
For her encore, McEntire closed out the night with her spunky hit "Fancy," which was clearly a fan favorite that brought the crowd to its feet.
CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
