Wichita, Kansas | January 2008
Country Music, Concert, Female Vocalist, Entertainer
Writtn by: Maylene Fletcher

I couldn’t tell you the first time I heard Reba sing, but I can tell you every time I hear her voice on the radio; the sound is clear, powerful, passionate and unmistakable. These days the question isn’t “is that Reba McEntire?” But, rather “Who is that with Reba?”

With her new CD, Reba Duets, climbing the charts and breaking records for sales, this country music legend is bigger and better than ever; yet remains as down-to-earth as the girl next door.

Fortunately for her fans, she has joined forces with Kelly Clarkson for a limited tour that will take them to 15 markets in just over a month. The two will be performing in Wichita January 31 to a sold-out Kansas Colliseum.

Although she is always on the go, we did manage to catch up with this busy star for a quick interview.

WF: How do you balance being a wife and mother with a career that takes you out on the road?

Reba: With lots of help! Narvel and I have a great marriage. We also work together. Not only in our marriage, but in our business and in raising our children.

WF: What is a typical day in your home when you are not on tour?

Reba: I never have a typical day. It ranges from doing interviews at the house or working on my picture project or going to lunch with friends. One thing is always for sure, I’m never bored. I’m always doing something.

WF: What are your favorite activities to do with your family?

Reba: Go on vacations! We love to travel and see new things together.

WF: What influence does your upbringing in the Midwest have on your music and your career?

Reba: I learned how to work hard growing up on a cattle ranch in southeastern Oklahoma. That carried over into my music business. When anything seems hard for me I think back to the days of standing over a hot fire branding cattle in 85 degree weather and think I have it pretty easy.

WF: You and Kelly Clarkson have become good friends. How did you meet?

Reba: We met in 2002 when she picked me as her idol to sing with her at the finale of “American Idol”. Later on, we hooked back up with the help of other southern girls here in LA. I asked her to sing on my Duet CD and then we did the TV show Crossroads together. She’s a great friend and a terrific singing partner!

WF: Besides being Top Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year you are also a multiple award winning actress and have your own clothing line; what is the next major venture you would like to try?

Reba: I would like to do a great epic western movie.

WF: Your latest CD, Reba Duets, which was released in September and went platinum within the first month, features performances with some of your favorite artists. Is there anyone, living or dead, you wish you could’ve had an opportunity to perform with?

Reba: Patsy Cline, George Strait, Tony Bennett, Annie Lennox, Steven Perry.

WF: What can fans expect from the 2 Worlds, 2 Voices concert?

Reba: A great time of getting to watch two women have a blast singing each other’s songs.

WF: What are some of the things your mother said that you now hear yourself saying?

Reba: When you tell someone you’re going to do something, do it!

WF: What would you most like to be remembered for?

Reba: Being a fair, non-judgmental and honest person.

WF: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Reba: My daddy told me after a concert in Tulsa that I sure did work hard. When anyone says what a great young man Shelby is, always melts my heart. Any compliment about my children is a special time for me.

WF: What is your favorite beauty secret?

Reba: Take off your make up at night. Drink plenty of water.

WF: What do you do to stay in such good shape?

Reba: Walk, dance, Pilates.

WF: What is the one trick that always reduces your stress?

Reba: A soak in the hot tub. Or a Crown and 7… or both.