Unforgettable Moments with Country Music's Stars
Meeting Reba McEntire
Ashley McBryde vividly recalls the moment when Reba McEntire surprised her. "She sneaked in during my radio interview and got right next to my face, saying into the microphone, 'Hi, Ashley McBryde, this is Reba McEntire, and I'm your biggest fan.' I just literally honked like a goose at her. It was a moment I'll never forget," shared the 41-year-old singer. This encounter left a lasting impression on her and became one of the highlights of her career.It was a surreal experience to have Reba McEntire, a legendary figure in country music, acknowledge her in such a way. It showed her the impact that these icons can have on a young artist like herself.
Avoiding Emmylou Harris
While meeting Reba McEntire was a memorable event, McBryde also shared about her initial hesitation when it came to meeting Emmylou Harris. "If we were in the same building, I would walk the opposite direction from her because I knew I would do something stupid," she explained. However, last year, her fears were put to rest when she played a benefit with Harris and had a nice conversation with her.This experience taught her that sometimes our fears are unfounded and that we should embrace these opportunities instead of avoiding them. It opened her eyes to the possibility of having meaningful interactions with even the most intimidating of figures.
Interactions with Other Icons
McBryde also mentioned other instances where she said "stupid things" to artists she admires. "I've said stupid things to Patty Loveless. I've said stupid things to Morgan Stapleton. I almost said stupid things to [World Champion roper] Jackie Crawford," she said. These interactions made her realize the impact that these encounters can have on her self-confidence.Each of these meetings taught her valuable lessons about humility and the importance of being genuine. It showed her that even the most accomplished artists have their moments of awkwardness and that it's okay to be human.
900 Days of Sobriety
Last month, the country singer celebrated 900 days of sobriety, a milestone she is fiercely proud of. "I'd lost so much self-trust without even realizing that it had completely gone extinct," she told PEOPLE. This journey of sobriety has taught her the importance of self-trust and has allowed her to connect with her fans on a deeper level.Her story is an inspiration to many, showing that it's possible to overcome challenges and achieve great things. It's a reminder that we all have the power to make positive changes in our lives.