The 2025 ACM Awards commenced with a deeply heartfelt and characteristically gracious gesture from its iconic host, Reba McEntire. Addressing the assembled audience in the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and the millions tuning in from their homes across the globe, Reba opened the ceremony with a touching message directed squarely at the “real people” – the dedicated fans whose unwavering support forms the very foundation of country music. Her words likely resonated with genuine warmth and sincere appreciation, acknowledging the profound connection between the artists and their loyal listeners, setting a tone of authentic camaraderie and heartfelt gratitude for the evening’s celebration of country music.

Following this deeply personal and connective address, Reba, a true legend in her own right, then took center stage for a performance that transcended the typical celebratory atmosphere of an awards show, transforming into a poignant and almost sacred tribute to another titan of the genre, the late, great Merle Haggard. In a powerful and emotionally charged rendition of Haggard’s timeless classic, “Okie from Muskogee,” Reba not only honored the enduring legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter but also brought a wave of emotion that visibly moved the crowd to tears. The selection of this particular song, with its deeply ingrained themes of tradition, heartfelt sentiment, and a distinct sense of country pride, served as a particularly fitting and resonant memorial to Haggard’s profound impact on the landscape of country music.