Reba McEntire Criticizes ACM Awards for ‘Freezing’ Women out of Nominations

Reba McEntire just called out the ACM for not having a female nominee for the category Entertainer of the Year, for the second year in a row. The 16th time host joked about freezing out women as part of the recent weather in Las Vegas.

During her hosting of the Academy of Country Music Awards, Reba McEntire made a funny remark about having no women as part of the Entertainer of the Year category, despite having mentioned it publicly in the past.

“Do you know it snowed in Las Vegas just a few weeks ago? Yeah. It was so cold, it froze us women out of Entertainer of the Year,” McEntire jokingly said.

“But you know what, that didn’t bother Kacey Musgraves, because she’s been too busy carrying all of her Grammys around,” she added.

More than just a joke, McEntire was pretty serious about the issue of not having women as part of the category. The audience was quick to agree, and so were social media users. One Twitter user said:

“ICYMI: Reba dragged the entire male species and sexism for a second year in a row. #ACMs”

Another suggested that the award should have just gone to her. The comment read:

“Reba! You should have just given the ACM a surprise and announced yourself, Female Entertainer of the Year! And obviously, then thanked them for acknowledging your performing qualities.”

Luke Bryan, a nominee for the award, shared the same thoughts he had with Buzzfeed News last month. He said:

“It’s something the country music community has taken note of, that women artists aren’t being truly recognized like they need to, and it’s something on everybody’s radar.”

McEntire herself has spoken about the issue of lack of female representation earlier this year. She told CBS This Morning:

“It doesn’t make me very happy because we've got some very talented women who are out there working their butts off. I’m missing my girlfriends on this.”

McEntire was more than just a host and an advocate for women during the evening as she performed her rendition of her new song, “Freedom,” which is part of her album, “Stronger Than the Truth.” She made sure that she was dressed for the occasion and had seven outfit changes in total.

Her first look was seen as she walked the red carpet that evening in a maroon fringe dress by Chiara Boni paired with cowboy boots covered in black and silver rhinestones. After, she began the show in a shiny silver beaded dress with fringes on the waist down - a custom made by Jonathan Kayne.

She took a break from the girly gowns as she wore a bright purple velvet power suit from Tom Ford with Swarovski crystal designs. Following this was another ombre silver fringe outfit by Mac Duggal.

Her look number five was more daring than the others as she rocked a glittering black and blue dress with a low neckline. Then, she matched the Jonathan Kayne mini dress with electric blue Brian Atwood heels.

Her next outfit was when she performed her new hit song, “Freedom.” McEntire wore a red leather jacket with fringes and Swarovski crystal embellishments and red leather boots to match.

Finally, the country singer ended the night with a long-sleeve black velvet gown, which had crystal designs from the neck, down to the arms.