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Country Throwback: Reba McEntire Blows Away 1997 AMAs with ‘What If’ Performance

Reba McEntire knows how to deliver a performance every time she steps on stage. At the 1997 American Music Awards, it was no different.

McEntire sang an incredible rendition of her hit song “What If” in front of the audience present and those watching on TV.

The song was originally released by McEntire in November 1997 after being a part of her 1996 album release, “What If It’s You.” Meanwhile, there was a re-release of this song in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was written by Diane Warren and produced by McEntire and David Malloy. “What If” is a cover song that was originally recorded by Brenda K. Starr in 1991.

Reba McEntire Talks About Re-Releasing Song in 2020

Reba McEntire said “What If” is as relevant today as it was when originally released.

“That’s the power of a great song and Diane Warren is no stranger to writing great songs,” she said back in May 2020. “Even though we may not be able to physically reach out with just one hand right now, we can still be there for each other and take care of our neighbors, essential workers and medical professionals.

“Re-releasing this song and updated video with its message of care, hope and love felt like the right thing to do. Maybe we still can change things,” McEntire said.

The song’s lyrics are a call to people to think about what would happen if they reached out with a helping hand.

“Sometimes I don’t understand
Feels like I’m living in a world gone mad
Look around, all around it’s just the same
People just rush everywhere

No time to ever take the time to care
We’re the ones, we’re the losers in this game
So where is the tenderness we sacrifice for progress
And where is the love we need, you know it makes me wonder

What if everybody, what if everybody reached out with just one hand?
(Reached with just one hand)
What if everybody, what if everybody sang out with just one voice?
(Sang with just one voice)
Maybe we could change things

What if everybody, what if everybody cared with just one heart?
(Cared with their own heart)
What if everybody, what if everybody tried to light one spark?
(Tried to light one spark)
Maybe we could change things somehow”

Here’s Reba McEntire singing “What If” for her fans.

McEntire Spending Time With Her Boyfriend Rex Linn

Reba McEntire wanted to play equal opportunity photographer on her land back in December with her donkey Poncho.

Apparently, Poncho “heard” about McEntire and her boyfriend, veteran actor Rex Linn, spending some time with another of her animals.

He had some hurt feelings, but Reba McEntire shared a photo on Instagram with the world is of herself, Linn, and Poncho gathered together.

In the Instagram post, McEntire makes a reference to not telling Lefty (it’s not clear whether or not she has another animal named Lefty).

But the reference is to the song “Pancho and Lefty,” first written and recorded by Townes Van Zandt. It was covered by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Obviously, she named her donkey Poncho with a different spelling by one letter.

Reba McEntire keeps herself busy with her career and is willing to share a little bit about her personal life with fans, too.

H/T: Reba.com, SongMeanings

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