Imagine your favorite singer suddenly appearing on stage in a sparkling red dress to sing a song everyone thought was a flop. That is exactly what Reba McEntire did at the 2006 CMT Awards. Her song “Fancy” only hit #8 in 1990 but it secretly became her most famous anthem. It is the ultimate underdog story set to music.
On that night Reba did not just sing; she became the character Fancy. A single spotlight hit her, making her dress glow. Watch at 0:45 where she lifts her chin, her voice growing stronger as she tells a story of fighting for a better life. It feels less like a performance and more like she is sharing a secret.
Reba McEntire – Fancy (CMT Awards 2006)
The crowd jumped to their feet instantly, cheering for every word. You could see people singing along to every single line. Their faces showed they knew the entire story, proving how a song once called a flop had secretly become everyone’s favorite for years.
That powerful performance shows her stage magic but to see her true storytelling power you need to see the original video for the album’s title track. It shows a completely different side of Reba, one dealing with small town gossip.
Reba McEntire – Rumor Has It (Official Music Video)
In this video Reba is not a glamorous star. She is a regular person in a diner, hearing rumors about her love life. She just looks out a rainy window, making you feel the sting of every piece of gossip. She tells a whole story without saying a word.
Reba is famously active online, sharing fun behind the scenes moments from her life on the ranch and her tours. Following her feels like catching up with a funny, down to earth aunt who also happens to be a legendary music queen.