To anyone hating, her ENTIRE band was killed in a plane crash a mere week before this performance. Everyone around her urged her that she was not emotionally ready to appear, yet she carried on saying that she would be doing it as a tribute to them. How many of you would have the emotional strength to do something like this so soon after an event like that? Just for that reason alone, this performance has my utmost respect.
I have the utmost respect & admiration for Reba. She had them all in her heart while delivering this mind blowing performance. Her band who she fondly calls her buddies must’ve been so proud of her. Beautiful & brilliant like always
Of all the performances I've ever heard on the Academy Awards, this one simply blew me away. I don't think we'll ever see a more heartfelt tribute or more sincere expression of raw emotion from any song performed on that show. Thanks for posting this once in a lifetime memory.
Great rendition of a great song! What makes this performance so remarkable was the fact that she'd lost her entire band shortly before the show. I wish Reba would record this song! Each time I see the movie or here Reba sing it it never fails to bring a tear to my eyes. Love both these special ladies!
Meryl was supposed to perform this at the Academy Awards as this came from her movie Postcards From The Edge; but, she was about to deliver her 4th child and couldn't make the awards show. Reva.was a real trooper to fill in do shortly after loosing her band in the plane crash. Meryl performing this at the end of the movie is one of the best endings of a movie! So much fun. You can tell she (and the crew) were really loving it!
I met Reba a few years ago. We talked about this performance. I asked if she would ever record this song. She said she could never sing it again. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A RECORDING OF IT. The first time I heard her sing The Greatest Man I Never Knew, was a week after my Dad's funeral. She apologized, and said that if something happens to her dad, she'll never be able to sing that song again either.
I'm a Broadway baby, so I've always loved Meryl Streep's two versions of this from Postcards from the Edge - first slow, and then fast over the closing credits - but my head and toes were bopping along to Ms. McEntire's version, so now I have three versions to geek out over.
I love this song... and if I had not seen Reba perform this song, I would not have ever even found or listened to Meryl Streep sing it. I love them both. I remember the night Reba sang it on the Academy Awards show, and it changed my life! (smile) Love it. Thanks for uploading it.
i know!!! she's even more amazing to go out and actually perform so soon after it happened. most people probably wouldn't come out of their room for a few weeks
different style...but just as good as Meryl's version which rocked. But I like the country touch too. I luv both. Thanks and kudos to both Reba and Meryl!!
My God! I still remember watching Reba sing that number at the 1991 Oscars. She blew me away then, and she still does. Does anyone know if she actually recorded that song? I'd kill for a copy. Meryl Streep did it beautifully in Postcards From The Edge, but Reba's is the better version by miles.
meryl was actually due to perform this at the oscars , but due to being heavily pregnant they asked reba to step in , so she was doing meryl a favour so stop hating on her guys x
Wow! Why do we need to compare the two? Can't we just be satisfied know they both are amazing preformers and the most talented ladies in their seperate fields? Meryl's an actress, she isn't expected to be the " Queen of Country ", but she could damn well be. Reba is a singer, and isn't expected to be the " Queen of the Screen " but once again, she coul be too! They are both so talented, sweet ladies, and wouldn't want you guys to fight over who can do it better. I love them both:) Cuties!
I actually remember watching this in 91. Aside from Reba's performance (which I loved btw), I was caught by the fact that this is not the usual type of song that get's the Oscar nominations; they tend to lean towards power ballads & Broadway-ish tunes. It's a really good song, it fit well into the movie, and it showed some diversity for a change. Well done everybody.
can u believe it was 2 weeks after the members from her plane crashed and died! she did this for meryl who was pregant! Reba is crazy amazing. notice how she doesn't smile when she is finished she always smiles at the end. Reba Rocks! she is such a strong person
Loved this the first time I saw it then after hearing that it was only 9 days after her band died I looked at it again and thought it was one of the bravest performances I have ever seen. Her passion on the final "I'm checking out" line and the look in her eyes is so sad.
Dorothy Lear yes. she was thinking of her perished band mates at that time interpreting "I'm checking out on this heartbreak hotel" as saying goodbyes or leaving forever. that's why she is so emotional singing it and had that striking look.
Meryl's version was great within the context of the movie, but let's face it, if she had released it as a single, it would've been picked apart and criticized no end. It's great ONLY because she's an actress and her singing is a surprise. This version by Reba actually makes it sound like a real country single you'd hear over the radio.
Awesome performance, i remember watching live. I loved Billy Crystal paying comedic homage to it afterwards when he announced "the nah-yi-yominess" for some award ... i wish they'd include that in these clips.
All I keep hearing is that Meryl's version is so much better did anyone stop to think that Reba's version is live and Meryl's was on the movie and could have been electronically altered.
Meryl is the best in her field: Acting Reba is the best in her field: Country Music. Let their individual talents be! They are actually both my favorite celebrities EVER so I highly respect both of their talents and love what they both do!
Meryl was suppose to sing this song that night but Reba sung it for her because she was "175 lbs. pregnant " that time... she said it herself.. :D After Reba sang it, Meryl came to her and thanked her for taking the place back in '91. Both of them sung it well. ^_^
I agree, why would she use a tragedy for publicity. I think she carried herself through the crash with such grace. She shouldn't still be criticized for something she had no control over. As for this particular performance, I think she sang it beautifully. You can see the pain in her eyes though, knowing her band wasn't behind her. She sang for them from her heart as a way to help herself heal, not because the cameras were rolling. I will always stand beside Reba and any decision she makes.
I think shes absolutely beautiful in every sense of the word. In this video you can tell she really tried to enjoy herself and enjoy it for all the other band members who past. She looked up at the ceiling a few times and you can tell she was thinking about them. She is a strong woman and sings strong woman songs, this is how she stayed strong through it all. I applaud her strength and performance.
Wow! You kids are a little too serious here on the posts. I'm only going to say one thing! Reba had some BIG hair back then. Damn that's big hair! Love it!
Can you believe March 16 with mark 20 years since the plane crash? That's incredible. People, give her some slack for God's sake. That was fricking amazing, especially seeing as it was 9 days after the disaster!
Basically, I don't think anyone should criticize her for who sings the damn song better. Her band that died in that plane crash wanted her to sing that song. She did it to honor them. And that took a lot of courage and inner strength. I don't think I would have been able to do it. I commend her for honoring those lost in the plane crash. RIP and God Bless You Reba
Oh, and to add to my comment, this was nine days after Reba lost her band in a plane crash. Could you guys please cut her some slack? It must be hard to go out there, and sing her heart out, with out her band their with her! Such a strong woman, she inspires me every way possible. And same for Meryl, she is such a class act, and such a talent (: watched all her movies. Never failed to dissapoint! They are two of the most talented ladies America will ever know. MUCH RESPECT TO BOTH!
@larkpraise she only did this to try to move on so she wouldnt go into like a depression cuz she lost her band. she kept moving and she has changed peoples lives, i dont think this women has an evil bone in her body she has got messages to the people thru her songs about important topics no one wanted to talk about so i would appreciate it if you would keep your comments about mrs. mcentire to your self until you know how truly wonderful and amazing she is. thank you.
Of course Reba is the better singer but I'd not say that Meryl is a better actress only because she's won so many awards. Reba is also a wonderful actress. Everytime I see her in the Reba show I'm absolutely fascinated by her.
Can we take in the fact that she also sang this higher than Meryl? I'm assuming because she couldn't do the high note Meryl does in the movie. She was still excellent though!
Okay, now I can't stop thinking about this performance. Does anyone know if it's possible to buy an mp3 somewhere? Or a CD that includes it? Or even download it illegally?
Meryl finaly got to thank Reba for singing this song because she was too pregnant to do so herself - to see her saying just this type 'Reba' and 'Meryl' into youtube and you'll find the video of her saying just this and much more
Would you do that for me? I don't mind the applause being there. Is there something I could get to you in return? Some mp3s of something? Not sure if I'd have anything of interest, but I'd be happy to send something along.
I have to say that Reba is better, however I love Meryl. I just hated all the criticism Reba got for this. What did they expect her to do never sing again. I'm sure this is exactly what her band would have wanted her to do. Life doesn't stop because of death people have to move on and I think this was one of Reba's best performances because she was doing it for people she loved!
To TexasLia, I didnt say Meryl is better than Reba and vice versa, all I stated was that they sing it in there own way and I like em both, but I never heard Reba's version till I saw it on youtube, I personally like Meryl's better. It is my opinion and I am entitled to it, so please don't disrespect me by saying things of the nature in which you said them. Thanks
I don't care what anyone says, I like both versions!... All this petty squabbling reminds me of Genesis fans saying you can only like Gabrial or Collins, makes me just think, "Oh grow up!"
No disrespect at all intended towards Reba because she's an amazing lady with enormous talent but let's face it, Meryl downright owned this song! She was picture perfect singing it in the movie Postcards From The edge! As long as we're at it, let's give credit where credit is due! Shel Silverstein was the genius who wrote this fantastic song! Shel is the man, whether it was the time he spent with Dr Hook & The medicine show, writing and performing on his own or putting out children's books using the handle Uncle Shelby, he was an amazing talent & should always be appreciated and admired!👍😇
To anyone hating, her ENTIRE band was killed in a plane crash a mere week before this performance. Everyone around her urged her that she was not emotionally ready to appear, yet she carried on saying that she would be doing it as a tribute to them. How many of you would have the emotional strength to do something like this so soon after an event like that? Just for that reason alone, this performance has my utmost respect.
Dolly Parton urged Reba to perform, even lending Reba her own band!
I have the utmost respect & admiration for Reba. She had them all in her heart while delivering this mind blowing performance. Her band who she fondly calls her buddies must’ve been so proud of her. Beautiful & brilliant like always
Lindo, lindo, lindo!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What is wrong with this audience? I would have been dancing in the isle half way through this song. I just love Reba. ❤
"I'm Checkin' Out" from 'Postcards from the Edge' performed by Reba McEntire
music and lyrics by: Shel Silverstein
Of all the performances I've ever heard on the Academy Awards, this one simply blew me away. I don't think we'll ever see a more heartfelt tribute or more sincere expression of raw emotion from any song performed on that show. Thanks for posting this once in a lifetime memory.
I agree! This is better than 90% of Grammy and/or Tony performances.
Great rendition of a great song! What makes this performance so remarkable was the fact that she'd lost her entire band shortly before the show. I wish Reba would record this song! Each time I see the movie or here Reba sing it it never fails to bring a tear to my eyes. Love both these special ladies!
Meryl was supposed to perform this at the Academy Awards as this came from her movie Postcards From The Edge; but, she was about to deliver her 4th child and couldn't make the awards show. Reva.was a real trooper to fill in do shortly after loosing her band in the plane crash.
Meryl performing this at the end of the movie is one of the best endings of a movie! So much fun. You can tell she (and the crew) were really loving it!
The songwriters should kiss the ground Reba McEntire walks on because she took a so-so song and made it sound so much better than it really is.
Mind blowing , moving , flawless performance. Reba is beyond amazing. Love her.
I met Reba a few years ago. We talked about this performance. I asked if she would ever record this song. She said she could never sing it again. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A RECORDING OF IT. The first time I heard her sing The Greatest Man I Never Knew, was a week after my Dad's funeral. She apologized, and said that if something happens to her dad, she'll never be able to sing that song again either.
I'm a Broadway baby, so I've always loved Meryl Streep's two versions of this from Postcards from the Edge - first slow, and then fast over the closing credits - but my head and toes were bopping along to Ms. McEntire's version, so now I have three versions to geek out over.
Amazing performance! Wow! Reba is the best ♥
They're both GREAT. Meryl's was an amazing surprise and Reba's is fantastic. Both versions are really enjoyable.
the last time I saw this was on tv in 1991. I thought she sang the socks off this song! thanks so much for uploading this. good memories!
Yahoo! I love this performance! This is why I started listening to Reba....
I love this song... and if I had not seen Reba perform this song, I would not have ever even found or listened to Meryl Streep sing it. I love them both. I remember the night Reba sang it on the Academy Awards show, and it changed my life! (smile) Love it. Thanks for uploading it.
i know!!! she's even more amazing to go out and actually perform so soon after it happened. most people probably wouldn't come out of their room for a few weeks
What I'd like to hear is, Reba McEntire and Meryl Streep doin g a duet of this song!
different style...but just as good as Meryl's version which rocked. But I like the country touch too. I luv both. Thanks and kudos to both Reba and Meryl!!
My God! I still remember watching Reba sing that number at the 1991 Oscars. She blew me away then, and she still does.
Does anyone know if she actually recorded that song? I'd kill for a copy.
Meryl Streep did it beautifully in Postcards From The Edge, but Reba's is the better version by miles.
Reba is so perfect. I can't even handle it. (:
The cutest thing to walk the earth! .
Shes just adorable and lovely in every way
meryl was actually due to perform this at the oscars , but due to being heavily pregnant they asked reba to step in , so she was doing meryl a favour so stop hating on her guys x
Wow! Why do we need to compare the two? Can't we just be satisfied know they both are amazing preformers and the most talented ladies in their seperate fields? Meryl's an actress, she isn't expected to be the " Queen of Country ", but she could damn well be. Reba is a singer, and isn't expected to be the " Queen of the Screen " but once again, she coul be too! They are both so talented, sweet ladies, and wouldn't want you guys to fight over who can do it better. I love them both:) Cuties!
I really wish this was on one of her cds.
Reba wore the BEST dresses ever!! Real professional beauty!!
I actually remember watching this in 91. Aside from Reba's performance (which I loved btw), I was caught by the fact that this is not the usual type of song that get's the Oscar nominations; they tend to lean towards power ballads & Broadway-ish tunes. It's a really good song, it fit well into the movie, and it showed some diversity for a change. Well done everybody.
It's the Meryl Streep effect. She sang it in the movie, so of course it had to be nominated!
@@cka2ndI agree. Everyone was so surprised of Meryl's singing ability that a generic country song turns into gold.
There is something really in the water but each time Reba performs she always had this huge stage presence. Very commanding and engaging.
can u believe it was 2 weeks after the members from her plane crashed and died!
she did this for meryl who was pregant!
Reba is crazy amazing.
notice how she doesn't smile when she is finished she always smiles at the end.
Reba Rocks! she is such a strong person
Its an awesome song. And whether it is Reba or Meryl...all i can say is WOW!!!!!
Always been my favorite gall!
she sounded amazing
Loved this the first time I saw it then after hearing that it was only 9 days after her band died I looked at it again and thought it was one of the bravest performances I have ever seen. Her passion on the final "I'm checking out" line and the look in her eyes is so sad.
U can tell by her eyes at the end she was really sad!
Dorothy Lear yes. she was thinking of her perished band mates at that time interpreting "I'm checking out on this heartbreak hotel" as saying goodbyes or leaving forever. that's why she is so emotional singing it and had that striking look.
Reba you were a class act then and you are now. You're always going to be a class act. You are with out a doubt a beautiful person inside and out.
Meryl's version was great within the context of the movie, but let's face it, if she had released it as a single, it would've been picked apart and criticized no end. It's great ONLY because she's an actress and her singing is a surprise. This version by Reba actually makes it sound like a real country single you'd hear over the radio.
Rebe's voice was simply marvelous, she fit in for Meryl Streep, she blew it away as usual!
amazing performance
This song fits so perfectly with what Reba was going through at the time with her band because she needed to check out of her heartbreak hotel.
thanks for posting this. i always wanted to see it too. all hail the Internets!
Awesome performance, i remember watching live. I loved Billy Crystal paying comedic homage to it afterwards when he announced "the nah-yi-yominess" for some award ... i wish they'd include that in these clips.
Wow.... That. Was. Amazing.
The best everrrrr
Meryl Streep did give a fantastic performance of this song and so did Reba.
All I keep hearing is that Meryl's version is so much better did anyone stop to think that Reba's version is live and Meryl's was on the movie and could have been electronically altered.
That is some epic hair right there.
This Sunday Reba is performing at the Oscar’s
@TexasLia agreed! i am a huge meryl fan and reba fan i might get to see reba! i love botth of them
Meryl is the best in her field: Acting Reba is the best in her field: Country Music. Let their individual talents be! They are actually both my favorite celebrities EVER so I highly respect both of their talents and love what they both do!
i love both diferent versions, Meryl is the Queen of Hollywood and Reba The Queen of Country my two All time Favorites
Meryl was suppose to sing this song that night but Reba sung it for her because she was "175 lbs. pregnant " that time... she said it herself.. :D After Reba sang it, Meryl came to her and thanked her for taking the place back in '91. Both of them sung it well. ^_^
this is a great performance!
@Sponicky111 Yes as A fellow tweeba i am very protective any one who talks bad about reba or disrespects her has to go thru her fans!!
I agree, why would she use a tragedy for publicity. I think she carried herself through the crash with such grace. She shouldn't still be criticized for something she had no control over. As for this particular performance, I think she sang it beautifully. You can see the pain in her eyes though, knowing her band wasn't behind her. She sang for them from her heart as a way to help herself heal, not because the cameras were rolling. I will always stand beside Reba and any decision she makes.
I agree she said she felt them say do this for us
Wow. 12 years later and I still stand by what I said.
I think shes absolutely beautiful in every sense of the word. In this video you can tell she really tried to enjoy herself and enjoy it for all the other band members who past. She looked up at the ceiling a few times and you can tell she was thinking about them. She is a strong woman and sings strong woman songs, this is how she stayed strong through it all. I applaud her strength and performance.
Just seen this for the Frist time Reba done amazing as she was broken hearted at the time
I really love Meryl's version of this song,but Reba--WOW!!
Reba you rocked this song!! and I love ya, but I gotta give the ending to Meryl Streep!!
@ sheptigers, it was 9 DAYS not weeks. Probably explains the look in her eyes at the end.
Wow! You kids are a little too serious here on the posts. I'm only going to say one thing! Reba had some BIG hair back then. Damn that's big hair! Love it!
The higher the hair, the closer to Jesus 😉
Can you believe March 16 with mark 20 years since the plane crash? That's incredible. People, give her some slack for God's sake. That was fricking amazing, especially seeing as it was 9 days after the disaster!
Basically, I don't think anyone should criticize her for who sings the damn song better. Her band that died in that plane crash wanted her to sing that song. She did it to honor them. And that took a lot of courage and inner strength. I don't think I would have been able to do it. I commend her for honoring those lost in the plane crash. RIP and God Bless You Reba
Keep that in mind the next time you're criticizing anything and I'll agree.
For sure the show's producers had it changed to accommodate Reba's rendition and for the show.
God, she delivers.
Oh, and to add to my comment, this was nine days after Reba lost her band in a plane crash. Could you guys please cut her some slack? It must be hard to go out there, and sing her heart out, with out her band their with her! Such a strong woman, she inspires me every way possible. And same for Meryl, she is such a class act, and such a talent (: watched all her movies. Never failed to dissapoint! They are two of the most talented ladies America will ever know. MUCH RESPECT TO BOTH!
That's just the Queen of Country showing us what an amateur singer Meryl is in comparison. What an amazing display of vocal ability!
The plane crash was on 3/16/91. This performance was (and the Academy Awards ceremony) was on 3/25/91. 9 days after the crash.
Buenísima!
@larkpraise she only did this to try to move on so she wouldnt go into like a depression cuz she lost her band. she kept moving and she has changed peoples lives, i dont think this women has an evil bone in her body she has got messages to the people thru her songs about important topics no one wanted to talk about so i would appreciate it if you would keep your comments about mrs. mcentire to your self until you know how truly wonderful and amazing she is. thank you.
This woman is life.
you can see the heartbreak in her eyes
Of course Reba is the better singer but I'd not say that Meryl is a better actress only because she's won so many awards. Reba is also a wonderful actress. Everytime I see her in the Reba show I'm absolutely fascinated by her.
Can we take in the fact that she also sang this higher than Meryl? I'm assuming because she couldn't do the high note Meryl does in the movie. She was still excellent though!
Boy, she had some nice hair back then. Reba was incredible sexy looking then.
Okay, now I can't stop thinking about this performance. Does anyone know if it's possible to buy an mp3 somewhere? Or a CD that includes it? Or even download it illegally?
reba's hairdo looks like my mom before she dies it. RRREEEEEEEAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLYYYY puffy
Meryl finaly got to thank Reba for singing this song because she was too pregnant to do so herself - to see her saying just this type 'Reba' and 'Meryl' into youtube and you'll find the video of her saying just this and much more
This was back when the Oscars allowed for the whole song to be sung, not just snippets like they do nowadays.
Would you do that for me? I don't mind the applause being there. Is there something I could get to you in return? Some mp3s of something? Not sure if I'd have anything of interest, but I'd be happy to send something along.
Is there a higher quality version of this?
But loved this
Would like to hear her song......How Blue.???
Hey I want the mp3 audio too, you can't buy it anywhere. How do we get it?
@merylfan101 Yeah I know...it was a joke. But so was comparing that ding a ling streep to Reba.
Global treasure!
I have to say that Reba is better, however I love Meryl. I just hated all the criticism Reba got for this. What did they expect her to do never sing again. I'm sure this is exactly what her band would have wanted her to do. Life doesn't stop because of death people have to move on and I think this was one of Reba's best performances because she was doing it for people she loved!
I prefer Meryl's version but I like this one too. I think Meryl's version fitted the movie and this one was better for the award show.
I know its true. so many people ALWAYS think that whats in the and on TV is so cool and real but its really not
@TexasLia
they both sing it in there own quality versions, both have amazing talent, each in there own right. Why must people act so childish.
Sorry, I think Reba is great, but Meryl Streep took over ownership of that song at the end scene of "Post Cards from the Edge" great performance
I have to respectfully disagree even Meryl likes this version better than her own
To TexasLia,
I didnt say Meryl is better than Reba and vice versa, all I stated was that they sing it in there own way and I like em both, but I never heard Reba's version till I saw it on youtube, I personally like Meryl's better. It is my opinion and I am entitled to it, so please don't disrespect me by saying things of the nature in which you said them.
Thanks
I don't care what anyone says, I like both versions!... All this petty squabbling reminds me of Genesis fans saying you can only like Gabrial or Collins, makes me just think, "Oh grow up!"
The anniversary of the plane crash is coming up this week
No disrespect at all intended towards Reba because she's an amazing lady with enormous talent but let's face it, Meryl downright owned this song! She was picture perfect singing it in the movie Postcards From The edge! As long as we're at it, let's give credit where credit is due! Shel Silverstein was the genius who wrote this fantastic song! Shel is the man, whether it was the time he spent with Dr Hook & The medicine show, writing and performing on his own or putting out children's books using the handle Uncle Shelby, he was an amazing talent & should always be appreciated and admired!👍😇
@LT1HILLINGHOE oh haha
But people got to remember she's a country singer and yes its gonna sound different and some people are plain weird... lol
you can be left off here. or come with me back to my apartment. you get to decide.
Gee we have Reba haters on board...would all Reba fans please move away from the nay sayers. Wow I see maybe three?
Reba is amazing, but i like Meryl's performance of this better.
actually it was a week...
she's gud live...
I agree, Reba is the better singer & Meryl is the better actor.
SOO much better,
@sheptigers 9 days
@LT1HILLINGHOE streep