How to Perform Live: 6 Tips from Reba McEntire

Live performance in front of an audience allows artists to showcase their material while also providing an outlet for their creativity. Reba McEntire, a world-class country music singer, offers advice on how to perform live.

Who Is Reba McEntire?

Reba McEntire is a Grammy Award-winning country music singer and songwriter. Reba hit number one on the Billboard charts in 1983 with "Can't Even Get the Blues," and she went on to become one of the most popular country musicians of the late twentieth century. Throughout her career, she has had twenty-four hit singles, three Grammy awards, and 28 albums certified platinum, gold, or silver. She currently holds the record for the most CMA Award nominations for a female artist, with 50. Reba was also a successful actor and TV star in the early 2000s, best known for her roles in "Buffalo Girls," "Is There Life Out There?" and the sitcom "Reba." Reba has released over 30 albums and singles to date.

What Is Live Performance?

For thousands of years, live performance has been a part of human culture. It includes live music, theatrical performances, and dance performances. Artists can record their performances on video or audio, but performing live in front of an audience allows them to showcase their artistry and connect with their audience.

Live performance requires physical stamina, vocal prowess, memorization skills, and stage presence for singers like Reba McEntire. Artists must be able to command an audience, physically perform up to an hour of music, remember an entire set list as well as accompanying choreography and movement, and fill an auditorium with their voice. "Performing is extremely important to an artist because it allows them to channel all of their energy, creativity, and need to be on stage," Reba says.

Reba McEntire Offers 6 Tips on How to Perform Live

For more than 40 years, Reba McEntire has given live performances in both large and small settings. To put on a show for a live audience, heed her advice:

1. Compose a mesmerizing setlist. Together with her bandmates, Reba creates her set list. The set list ought to have a beginning, middle, and end, and comprise both well-known and cherished songs and songs with particular significance. Reba advises, "Your first song has to be a song that gets everyone excited [that] you're there."

2. Look for motivation. Reba observes other performers to see how they command the stage and captivate the audience. Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn are some of her favorite musicians. She claims, "I could not watch them enough." "I would watch their performance three times in a row. not just because of the songs they sing, but also because of the interludes they use. Oh my gosh, I wanted to be just like them because it was so endearing.

3. Request input. Obtain feedback from your band and team members regarding your performance. It is crucial to have a team that is "your eyes and your ears, and report back to you," according to Reba, who claims that performers can improve their stage presence and performance skills through feedback. That is what teamwork is all about.

4. Establish eye contact. While performing, look the audience in the eye. This can reduce stage fright and encourage audience participation. Reba continues, "The more you do it, the more at ease you become. Reba makes "an effort to see everyone in the audience" whenever she performs, even in a big auditorium. After the performance, people will say things like, "Oh my gosh, you were singing that song right to me."

5. Perform despite your anxiety. No matter if it's your first or hundredth time performing live, nervousness is a normal part of the experience. "For anyone who's nervous about live performances, accept that as a gift," Reba advises. "Transform that into eagerness. Make the adrenaline you experience as a result of your anxiety productive. 'Make good' from the bad.

6. Tell a story. Present your identity to the audience and explain your point of view. At her concerts, Reba entertains the crowd by sharing tales in between songs. These transitions give the audiences background information and a unique experience. The speaker says, "People in the audience can listen to you on the radio or at home on a record player, a CD player, wherever." However, it's uncommon for people to hear this short, special story that you're going to tell them and get a glimpse of your personality.