Reba McEntire’s Bold Fashion Choice at the CMAs Revamped Her Image Forever
Thirty years ago, the fiery-haired country sensation Reba McEntire made a statement on the red carpet at the 27th annual Country Music Association Awards. While it may not have been as avant-garde as Shirley Manson’s sheer Grammy outfit in 1999 or Rose McGowan’s daring dress at the 1998 VMAs, McEntire’s low-cut gown was scandalous for the traditionally conservative country music scene of the 1990s.
McEntire, a five-time CMAs winner and 51-time nominee, spoke to Yahoo Entertainment about the controversial dress and its impact on her image. She confesses, with a laugh, that at the time she was considered quite straight-laced, making her choice of a low-cut gown even more surprising.
The dress was designed by renowned Nashville costumer Sandi Spika Borchetta, who is now the executive vice president of Creative at Big Machine Label Group and married to the label’s president, Scott Borchetta. McEntire explains that she had requested Spika to fill in the cleavage area, assuming the final look would be more modest.
However, when McEntire tried on the dress at the Grand Ole Opry, she realized it was still very revealing. According to McEntire, Spika assured her that it was just the lighting. Little did they know that the plunging-neckline gown was going to cause a sensation.
McEntire recalls an encounter with country legend Kris Kristofferson backstage, who complimented her beauty, giving her an inkling that her dress was turning heads. As she took the stage, the roaring crowd confirmed her suspicions.
Although McEntire’s sister, Susie McEntire, and their parents were taken aback by the outfit, McEntire herself experienced no significant backlash. She jokes that her parents even asked if she had accidentally put the dress on backward. McEntire kept the iconic dress and even wore it again during a performance with Kelly Clarkson at the CMAs five years ago.
The bold fashion choice not only brought attention to McEntire at the time, but it also revamped her image forever. Now 68 years old, she reflects on the impact of that dress with a smile. As the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards approach, McEntire’s unforgettable fashion statement continues to be a topic of discussion and admiration.
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