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Reba going strong with music, TV, clothing line
She's known by just one name -- and these days it's everywhere. Country superstar Reba McEntire, known to her fans simply as Reba, has become a household name by pursuing several diverse projects in recent years, and developing into a mulitfaceted businesswoman along the way. For four seasons, McEntire has played the lead character on the WB sitcom "Reba'' (which was just picked up for its fifth season by the network). She's also appeared in feature films and made-for-TV movies, and in 2001 she earned rave reviews for her Broadway performance in "Annie Get Your Gun.'' And perhaps the most telling sign of McEntire's status as an A-list celebrity: She has her own clothing line. This spring, she launched her "Reba'' mix-and-match fashions, carried at select Dillard's department stores nationwide and available at Dillards.com. Unlike her friend Dolly Parton -- who recently did a guest spot on the "Reba'' series -- McEntire still is embraced by mainstream country radio. At age 50, she is the oldest female vocalist in the genre who still benefits from heavy airplay of her new singles. McEntire topped the Billboard country singles chart last year with "Somebody'' from her most recent disc, "Room to Breathe.'' Speaking from her Los Angeles home, McEntire said she can't imagine she would ever stop making music to focus on the other sides of herself. "I can't say never, but right now it's not a problem to do all three: the clothing line, the acting and the singing,'' she explained. "It's working out very well. As a matter of fact, I think one complements the other, and it feeds the other. It helps broaden the audience, so I don't see a problem with it.'' In the midst of her multitasking, McEntire remains a devoted mother. She and her husband-manager, Narvel Blackstock, have a teenage son, Shelby. The family lives in Los Angeles when Shelby is in school but stays in Nashville, Tenn., the rest of the year. McEntire said there is "not much'' difference between herself and Reba Hart, the character she plays on TV. "I'm a very loyal, supportive, defensive, protective mother,'' she said. "I get into what Shelby's doing, what's going on in his life. I want him to know that I'm interested. I want to know the details. He's 15 years old so, of course, he says, 'Oh, Mom, you don't need to know that.' And I say, 'That's exactly what I need to know!' So there are a lot of similarities between Reba Hart and Reba McEntire.'' The singer says her experiences with her extended family have informed her acting on the TV series: "I have three older children from Narvel's previous marriage, and they have children of their own. So I understand the circumstances that evolve in having grandchildren on the television show because I have grandchildren in real life.'' McEntire also is adding a couple of animated features to her resume. She will provide the voice for Betsy the cow in a forthcoming adaptation of "Charlotte's Web.'' Other cast members lending their voices include Julia Roberts, Robert Redford, Oprah Winfrey and Cedric the Entertainer. McEntire also does voice work in the upcoming animated movie "The Fox and the Hound 2: Friends Forever.'' On the music front -- her first career -- McEntire currently is working on a new compilation CD. Tentatively slated for release this fall, the disc will be a collection of all her chart-topping singles, along with two new tracks. Radio programmers could one day turn a cold shoulder to McEntire's music, but that does not concern her. "You can still have a great career without the airplay," she said. "But airplay is very important, and I'm very grateful that I'm still getting it. I've had a span of 22 years between my first No. 1 record and my latest No. 1 record. So I can't complain at all.'' McEntire's current concert tour, which rolls into the Tweeter Center on Saturday night, has two other legitimate headliners -- Brad Paisley and Terri Clark -- on the bill. Touring in the spring does present some challenges for performers. "We're playing a lot of amphitheaters and we've hit some pretty chilly nights,'' McEntire said with a chuckle. "Our coldest date, in Virginia Beach, Va., was our first date. I had 30-mile-per-hour winds in my face, and it was 43 degrees. I had to go to a ski shop and buy parkas, hats, gloves and insulated underwear to do my show. But the crowd was there with me, so we went on!'' CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
ACM PIX
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TENSE TIMES
Reba's life was nearly cut short over the weekend when WB and 20th Century Fox came to blows over the sitcom's fifth-season license fee agreement. According to Variety, Fox (the studio behind Reba) wanted to charge $1.5 million per-episode, but WB was holding firm at $1.1 million. A compromise was eventually reached, but it's unclear which side screamed "Remember what happened with Buffy?!?!" first. CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
The Today Show Performance
A VISIT TO TODAY: IN NEW YORK
Mary, Wonda & Jason at the Today Show Concert
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TODAY SHOW PERFORMANCE
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TWO MORE YEARS OF REBA!
 The WB announced today that Reba will be back for a 5th season. This year they were renewed for 2 years so a 6th season is also guaranteed. ----------------------------------------------------- Reba's got it all under control. She's dealt with her divorce, she's moving on with her life, and she's finally at peace... or is it the calm before the storm? Life in Reba¿s house is about to get rocked and rolled. Her youngest daughter, Kyra, is growing up and playing in a rock band, and Cheyenne has discovered she has a problem that will shock her family. (And take 12 steps to resolve.) And of course, Brock and Barbra Jean are still right next-door, constantly disturbing the peace. In their 5th season, Reba will deal with these issues - and Barbra Jean - with her customary grit and sense of humor. CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
'Reba' Negotiations Nearly Derail WB Schedule
LOS ANGELES - Intense discussions between The WB and 20th Century Fox TV over the renewal of "Reba" nearly threw the netlet's fall schedule into disarray over the weekend before issues were eventually resolved. According to The Hollywood Reporter, negotiations nearly broke down late on Friday (May 13) afternoon, a development which would have jeopardized The WB's ability to pick up the 20th Century Fox-produced drama "Pepper Dennis" and the company's comedy "Misconception." The bickering has reportedly died down and "Reba," The WB's most successful comedy, should be part of the network's schedule when it is announced on Tuesday (May 17), likely with a multiyear renewal. Thanks to the "Reba" consensus, The WB is looking to go forward with "Pepper Dennis," which stars Rebecca Romijn, and "Misconception," with Jane Leeves. The WB's busy drama docket also includes "Supernatural," the college series "The Bedford Diaries," the ensemble "Related" and "Just Legal" with Jay Baruchel and Don Johnson. That's a pretty hefty drama order for the tiny network and the legion of pick-ups is expected to spell the end of struggling first year drama "Jack & Bobby." On the comedy front, The WB's biggest hopeful appears to be "Twins," from David Kohan and Max Mutchnick ("Will & Grace"), though "Living With Fran" will probably be renewed. Over at FOX, which won't announce until Thursday, things are less certain. Rumors are flying that critical favorite "Arrested Development" will get another shot, while the less adored "Stacked" will also survive. The best comedy buzz at FOX continues to be for "The War at Home," with Michael Rappaport," and "Kitchen Confidential." The dramas "Bones," "Head Cases," "Reunion" and "Deviant Behavior" are hot. CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
South Pacific (Starring Reba)
  Thursday, June 9 at 8PM
Gala Benefit for Carnegie Hall Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC (in concert) Starring: Reba McEntire (Nellie Forbush) Brian Stokes Mitchell (Emile de Becque) Jason Danieley (Lt. Cable) Lilias White (Bloody Mary) Conrad John Schuck (Captain Brackett) Dylan Baker (Cmdr. William Harbison) Alexander Gemignani (Stewpot) Tom Deckman (Professor) Remaining artists to be announced. (Cast subject to change.) Orchestra of St. Luke’s Paul Gemignani, Music Director and Conductor Walter Bobbie, Director For information regarding gala tickets and table purchases, please call the Special Events Office at 212-903-9679 or e-mail specialevents@carnegiehall.org. Deloitte is the principal corporate sponsor of the South Pacific gala evening. This presentation is made possible, in part, by generous grants from Leni and Peter May and family, The Alice Tully Foundation, The Rodgers Family Foundation, and Alice Hammerstein Mathias. Join the Friends of Carnegie Hall and help support our programs and facilities while receiving members-only benefits that bring you closer to the music and artists. Call 212-903-9654 or visit www.carnegiehall.org/friends today. CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
Indy Pix
    
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Cincinnati Concert Review
How do you pick which songs to perform when you have a nearly 30-year career with 29 albums? Country legend, Broadway star and TV sitcom actor Reba McEntire pretty much did it all Sunday night, giving fans a vast retrospective of her magnificent career for the opening of the 21st season of the Riverbend Music Center. McEntire is one of the few artists who can say in the middle of her set, "I'd like to do a little medley of my songs," then proceed to do 15 minutes sampling her hits - from 1982's "Can't Get the Blues," to 2004's "Something," with a gem like "Walk On" tossed in - and have plenty of tunes left over to fill 90 minutes. It was a Riverbend opening where the river didn't flood and the chill in the air was quickly forgotten as fans relished the "Two Hats and a Redhead Tour" featuring three of the finest cross-generational country acts you'll find on one stage. It all started with 10-year veteran Terri Clark, who was an opener with an attitude. She let everyone know "I'm not hear to just warm up. I'm here to party," as she went through her set filled with her breezy country pop anthems. Clark chastised the usual opening act late arrivals for "standing in the beer line too long" and picked on some fans searching for seats by saying "if you are late you deserve to be heckled," as she singled out some folks wearing pink cowboy hats teasing, "Nice pink. That's so '04." Clark is a charismatic showgirl and knows it, with her folksy swagger. She even joked to the crowd, "I may not have had the biggest career, but it's sure been the longest. I've been opening for everyone." Her sassy set, backed by a great six-piece band, featured several of her trademark female empowerment and relationship songs, ending with her signature tune "Girls Lie Too." Up next was Brad Paisley, who may not have the charisma of Clark but makes up for it with the sly charm of a great storyteller. He is one of those rare country performers who actually can write his own clever tunes. You gotta love his new single "Alcohol," a wonderfully wry tale sung from the personification of booze. He led into his heartfelt "Half the Dad" by playfully singing the theme to "WKRP in Cincinnati," as if he suddenly realized the hometown folks would appreciate the TV theme had a similar melody. Paisley ended the set with his rousing hit anthem "Mud On the Tires." McEntire hit the stage with her "So Good Together" in a glitzy, bombastic opening befitting a rock act, backed by her nine-piece band. But she was all down-home with her native Okie-feel the rest of the night. This was no Vegas-style show where Reba changes costumes a dozen times, like past tours. But she still managed to put on a "big" show through the sheer force of her spirited personality. McEntire was cozy staying in simple black jeans and top for the night. (It was certainly a more relatable outfit to her fans, something likely to be easily available in her new spring clothing line featured at Dillard's. She made an appearance to promote the sportswear collection Sunday afternoon at the store in Crestview Hills Mall). McEntire, once the big hair country redhead, now sports a fashionable shaggy, layered look, as she ran through her pocket full of hits, including such fan favorites as "You Lie," "Fancy" and the "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." The big screen played a fun instant-video of shots of the Greater Cincinnati area - from Fountain Square to Northern Kentucky University and Covington's Mainstrasse - as she sang "I'd Rather Ride Around With You." In a tremendous encore, Clark joined McEntire for the country power ballad "Does He Love You," Paisley returned for the rockabilly "Oklahoma Swing" and all three closed with the classic "When Will I Be Loved." This season Riverbend has one of its quirkier schedules. After Sunday's opening - one of the earliest ever - the next show isn't until another month when Tom Petty plays June 14. Then the venue has almost half of its summer schedule during a four week run in late July and early August. CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
Two Hats and a Redhead
 By Chris Varias If you had to name names as to what singers are most responsible for the pop overhaul of country radio over the past quarter century, you would start with Reba McEntire. The singer has been scoring No. 1 country hits for 23 years, from 1982's "Can't Even Get the Blues No More" to her most recent, "Somebody." She reminded the audience of those facts and figures, when she played the songs back-to-back in the middle of her Riverbend concert Sunday. For 90 minutes McEntire hit upon all of the notable songs of her colossal career - and a couple of them even sounded like country music - in what was a crowd-pleasing performance on a chilly Riverbend season-opening night. Her pop-savvy maneuvers ranged from female-centric story songs that functioned like an episode of the "Oprah Winfrey Show" put to adult-contemporary music ("The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," "The Fear of Being Alone," "I'm a Survivor," "My Sister," etc.) to "funky" fake gospel ("Love Revival") and soul ("Take it Back" and "Why Haven't I Heard from You?"). She even closed out the show with a nod to Linda Ronstadt, Reba's predecessor in the country-pop movement, by singing "When Will I Be Loved." McEntire can credit that crossover sound for her superstardom, but her most-country-sounding tunes rank as her best material. Her take on Bobbi Gentry's "Fancy," a tale of white slavery set in Louisiana, effectively puts to use Reba's sense of melodrama as well as her drawl. "I'd Rather Ride Around with You" is solid country-rock by Nashville radio standards and ranks as McEntire's finest single of the last decade. But her performance of the song was overshadowed by accompanying video shots of Cincinnati landmarks. Hopefully she didn't waste time gathering the footage. She could have borrowed it from Alan Jackson, who employs the same gimmick during his song "Where I Come From" each time he visits. Brad Paisley and Terri Clark each played an opening set. The finest moments of Paisley's hour-long set involved either his hot-shot electric-guitar picking or drinking songs. One song was a comedy - the new single "Alcohol" ("...helpin' white people dance," he sang); the other a tragedy - "Whiskey Lullaby," a duet with Alison Krauss, with whose prerecorded video image and voice Paisley sang along. Clark has hung around the country charts for a decade, long enough for her to release a greatest-hits CD last year. The crowd gave her a few standing ovations, and the most deserving one went to the greatest of her greatest hits: a cover of Warren Zevon's "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me." CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
Tube turf wars waged
Frog, Fox play chicken over skeinsEmotions always run high in the days leading up to the network upfronts, but this weekend saw an unusual degree of behind-the-scenes drama play out in the TV bizbiz. The up-and-down relationship between the WBthe WB Network and 20th Century Fox TV took a turn for the worse Friday as the network and studio all but came to blows over a new license fee agreement for the fifth season of "Reba," the hit Friday laffer 20th produces for the Frog. At one point, it seemed as if "Reba""Reba" were dead and that one or two 20th-produced pilots -- a drama starring Rebecca Romijn and a comedy toplined by Jane Leeves -- were going to end up as collateral damage. Late Sunday, 20th and the Frog seemed to be edging closer to a deal. The two parties seemed to have found agreement on a new license fee for "Reba," though there were still some sticking points related to the Leeves laffer. Fee fightOn the 20th/WB Network front, 20th was seeking to raise its license fee for "Reba" to a sum in the neighborhood of $1.5 million, industry insiders said. Frog appeared insistent on paying no more than about $1.1 million per half-hour; what's more, it wanted the right to multiple reruns of the show, including a repeat window Sundays from 6-7 p.m. It was not immediately clear where the two sides ended up financially. As for potential civilian casualties, Frog has given 20th pilot "Pepper Dennis" an order for midseason. But execs at 20th seemed ready to say no to the offer unless a deal for "Reba" was hammered out, fearing a repeat of the "Reba" crisis four years from now. Another 20th project, laffer "Misconceptions," is also said to be a contender for the Frog's fall or midseason skeds, but the studio had indicated it would turn down an order for that show as well. By late Sunday, 20th and the WB were haggling over a six episode order for "Misperceptions" vs. a traditional 13-seg order. Could upset talentEven the idea of linking the pilots with "Reba" was enough to send producers (and their agents) into a tizzy. Execs at 20th seemed willing to risk enraging important talent -- Romijn and helmer Shawn LevyShawn Levy for "Pepper" and Leeves, French Stewart and Imagine TelevisionImagine Television for "Misconceptions" -- by turning down the WB's offer to pick up the projects to series. The row over "Reba" reps the latest example of 20th and the WB doing battle over money. Studio opted to set up the fifth and six seasons of WB signature skein "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" at UPNUPN rather than accept the coin the Frog was offering for the show. Net and studio also couldn't figure out a way to keep "Buffy" spinoff "Angel""Angel" on the air more than five seasons, though that was largely because series co-creator Joss WhedonJoss Whedon needed an early decision from the Frog. Difference this time: Many of the top execs involved in the prior battles are gone. New exec teams all seem to have strong personal relationships, leading some to believe all along that a deal would ultimately get done, making this weekend's fireworks nothing more than a classic tale of Hollywood brinkmanship. In the end, it seems that theory proved correct, with a happy ending to boot. CLICK HERE to discuss in our forum.
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