The 2018 Kennedy Center Honors delivered a night full of unforgettable moments, but few were as powerful or emotional as Kelly Clarkson’s tribute to country legend Reba McEntire. Airing on December 26, the ceremony highlighted the achievements of several celebrated artists, but it was Clarkson’s stunning performance of “Fancy” that brought the house to its feet—and brought Reba to tears.
Before launching into the fiery anthem, Clarkson took a moment to reflect on the impact Reba has had on her life—not just as a musical inspiration, but as a mentor, friend, and even family.
Her words were raw and heartfelt: “Sometimes when we meet our heroes it doesn’t always pan out like you’d hope, but meeting Reba, being friends with her and eventually becoming family has been one of the highlights of my life, truly. So thank you so much, Reba, for listening to me vent as an artist, thank you so much for comforting me on the phone through my tears, like a friend, and thank you for being a really rad grandma to my kids.”
Then came the music. With her powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence, Clarkson launched into “Fancy,” the Bobbie Gentry classic that McEntire made her own in 1990.
The performance was electric, full of sass and soul, and it lit up the room. As Clarkson belted out the final notes, the audience rose in applause, and Reba, visibly moved, stood beaming and teary-eyed in appreciation.
The star-studded evening also featured appearances by Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum, and Kristin Chenoweth, all there to honor Reba’s legendary career.
Alongside McEntire, other honorees that night included Cher, Lin-Manuel Miranda, jazz icons Phillip Glass and Wayne Shorter, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, director Thomas Kail, and music director Alex Lacamoire.
2018 proved to be a monumental year for McEntire. In addition to her Kennedy Center recognition, she received the inaugural Career Maker Award at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. And in a deeply moving moment of national importance, she performed “The Lord’s Prayer” at former President George H. W. Bush’s memorial service in Houston, Texas.
But on that December night at the Kennedy Center, with Kelly Clarkson channeling both admiration and artistry, it was clear: Reba McEntire isn’t just a country music icon—she’s a beloved figure whose influence spans generations, genres, and hearts.
