It didn’t take long for Reba McEntire to acknowledge the girl power in the room as she kicked off the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday night.
The country singing veteran took to the “Reba Las Vegas” stage wearing a bejeweled and fringed champagne-colored gown.
She began her opening dialogue by announcing to the audience that this was her 16th year hosting the awards, but she wasn’t tired yet.
Here she is! Hosting her 16th #ACMawards… the one and only @Reba! pic.twitter.com/XxYNfgU11V
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 8, 2019
She said:
“I’m a woman in the music business and we don’t have time for tired.”
As Dearly previously reported, the renowned host wasn’t happy when she heard that no women were nominated for the show’s “Entertainer of the Year” category. And McEntire didn’t hesitate to bring that back up again on the Academy’s stage.
She said:
“Did you know it snowed in Las Vegas just a week ago? Yeah, it was so cold it froze us women out of entertainer of the year.”
The crowd laughed and cheered at the slight jab. Further, McEntire went on to shine a light on singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves for her Grammy wins.
She also acknowledged the accomplishments of Kelly Clarkson who has both a movie and a book coming out.
Later, in a skit with country singer and former ACM co-host Blake Shelton, the host shed a light on how own growth.
During the skit, Shelton stood up in the audience before whipping out his own microphone. He questioned if McEntire needed his assistance.
He said:
“You used to need me to help you do this and God knows Luke [Bryan] did…You good?”
McEntire ensured Shelton that she had the hosting thing under control before Shelton joked, “Forget you Reba,” and taking a seat.
The two longtime friends hosted the ACM awards together in 2011 and 2012 before they parted ways. McEntire has since been taking the ACM stage solo.
Host @Reba brings class, comedy, and charisma to centerstage. It’s all fun, ALL night at the 54th ACM Awards now on @CBS and @CBSAllAccess! You don’t want to miss this: https://t.co/TD9bN3QFcN pic.twitter.com/lozxU1v7zs
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 8, 2019